McHorny calls for debate

On a media conference call he didn't tell me about (why, Pat, why????): McHorny calls on his challengers to debate the issues.

Well, come on guys. That should be fun. He usually seeds the crowd with supporters and interrupts and/or refuses to answer the questions he doesn't like.

“Let’s have a debate on the issues. I’m happy to match my record against anyone. I’m going to continue to deliver on the promises that I’ve made. I’m proud of the work I’ve done.”

So, Lance and Daniel. Bring it on. He gets really frazzled when faced with the truth of the land he illegally hasn't declared, the home he tried to hide after insisting Democrats not hide their assets, earmarks, bicycles, his support for Ron Paul. Not to mention all the criminals he's associated with . . . there's a lot to work with here, guys. Have at it.

From the Blogosphere: McHorny hearts Ron Paul

From CopperheadNC at the Paulenteer:

I was at a meeting of the Gaston County GOP executive committee last night, and Patrick McHenry decided to pop in and give an impromptu speech. I had previously only known him as the one guy to have an earmark challenged and actually shot down in the House, and otherwise didn’t follow his career very closely.

During his speech, he started talking about the excitement of the nomination process this year, and went through all the normal spiel about the “Top tier” candidates … pretty much what I expected to hear. Then, out of nowhere, he started talking about Ron Paul, and he blew me away.

I wish I had recorded the speech, because it would have gone great on the acclaim page at RP’s site, but the gist of it was that Ron Paul stands for what Republicans SHOULD stand for. He noted that many Republicans feel that the RP movement is an invasion by libertarians, but that they are incorrect, and that we are helping to bring the party back to where it ought to be. I was hoping for an endorsement, which didn’t come, but it is obvious that he really has a lot of respect for Dr. Paul and the revolution!

Considering we don’t have a single endorsement from Congress, I wanted to share this with the board. Looks like we have a friend in Patrick McHenry!

Or at least he wanted these people to think he endorses libertarian ideas while he continues to act without ethics or morals. Anyone else know about this Gaston County meeting?

Meanwhile, at the MLB hearings:

Is anyone watching ESPN and this inquaire by congress? The questions and smugness of the senators makes me sick. This little J/O from NC Patrick Mchenry [sic] is on such a power trip. Its hard to explain it but one thing he keeps bringing up is "change for the children" or "kids look up to these players, set examples" blah blah blah.

My responses would have been something like "clean your own messes: or " you got some balls telling us to think of the children, what about all the lying, stealing and corruption going on in Govt"

this is suck a waste of time and money. Parents be the role model and teach your kids right from wrong. Tell them is Clemens is doing juice that doesn't make it right.

So, McHorny continues to stand on some kind of high ethical horse as he behaves in completely unethical ways. I wonder what else he's trying to hide, particularly from the "top tier" candidates. Like his underhanded financial dealings or his love of bahavior no one would consider Christian or conservative . . .

10th district leaders with Edwards in New Hampshire

At an historic mill in downtown Manchester, former Cleveland County Chair Betsy Wells and former District Chair Judy Gilbert greet their former Senator.

Johnson hires campaign manager

And announces that he and his wife are expecting a baby.

Cool stuff, huh? Gonna be hard for Pat to top that one.

And I see no information on Daniel Johnson's website but this is what the Informer had to say about the nameless campaign manager.

Daniel Johnson, the Democratic candidate for the 10th District congressional seat, has employed a campaign manager. She is a producer for MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” and the wife of his roommate while at UNC law school.

Johnson’s support is encouraging. He has raised over $100,000 and has rented a home in Hickory. His first child is due June 21—right in the midst of the campaign. Johnson will give his campaign his fulltime attention.

Lance attacks Pat for his "improper Influence"

The Hickory Record delineates Republican Congressional candidates Lance Sigmon's take on our Pat:

“We need a representative in Congress who will vote ‘right’ on the issues for our people, not for special interest lobbyists from outside the district,” Sigmon said during a 5-minute speech outside the 1924 Courthouse.

Wow Pat. Lance thinks you don't vote right. I'm pretty sure you're not voting center or left. Could it be that you're voting for personal and corporate interests? That's waht Lance seems to be saying. And check out the next 'graph"

Sigmon, 49, challenged McHenry to refrain from accepting political action committee money from groups outside the district that are trying to improperly influence elected officials.

Ouch number two. Yup. He's saying you are accepting money for "improper" influence. Do the facts fit. Hmmm. Me thinks they do.

Sigmon also drew distinctions with McHenry’s work experience and private life. Whereas Sigmon said the congressman had never worked outside the political arena, Sigmon said he worked in a variety of jobs growing up and was raised in a working-class family. And while Sigmon is married with a family, McHenry is single.

Ooops. Pat. Well, we know you lie about being a small businessman and a realtor. But Lance goes a little bit father. He's saying, you're single. I don't think he means you just haven't found the 'right woman.' I think he means something more significant to your conservative supporters. This really doesn't look good.

I wonder what you'll do to respond to these personal attacks. Can't wait to hear more whining.

And does Lance know more than we've already reported? Do his professional researchers know why you hid the land you own in Lincoln County against Congressional reporting rules. Does he know why you hid your Hickory condo after attacking Democrats for not wanting to report their second homes?

What are you hiding, dear Pat? I bet Lance Sigmon knows.

Lance as in boil?

Jerry Williamson at Watauga Watch has some fun with McHorny's recently announced opposition, Lance Sigmon:

Did you say Lance? Like in "open an incision, lance a boil"?

The boil in question, incumbent Congressman Patrick McHenry, will have to be spending some of that million dollars he's amassed to fight off this primary challenger, and if he can fight off that challenger (not a foregone conclusion, by any means), he'll still be facing this other ex-military challenger in November. All in all, 2008 is shaping up as a rough row for McHenry to hoe.

Curious ... that Lance Sigmon's web site does not contain the word 'Republican' anywhere, though reading through his issues will give you a good case of that dependable conservative Republican vertigo. Lotsa God, lotsa lowering of taxes, lotsa missionary positioning with one woman and one man in Holy Matrimony.

And thereby, naturally, comes the subtle attack on McHenry, plus these carefully chosen words on Sigmon's homepage: "There is no room for unethical behavior or advancement of self-interests." Oh snap!

Thanks to Max the Dog at BlueNC who noted Jerry's comments.

Sigmon announces McHorny takedown

Of course, I'm not on his mailing list so here's the poop from a Norman paper:

Declaring a frustration with scandals in both parties, and a mission to restore the ethics and honesty voters deserve in government, Newton attorney and retired U.S. Air Force officer Lance B. Sigmon today formally announced his candidacy to face 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry in the May 6, 2008, Republican primary election for Congress.

It is Sigmon's first attempt at public office, which he described as a positive for voters who are disgusted with politicians in general and the 'epidemic' of ethics scandals. I'll just try to do the best I can for our people in the district, and be honest with them at every turn, without self-promotion or looking for personal advancement, Sigmon said.