Share
A rendezvous at a Concord barbecue joint Tuesday helped change the political outlook in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District.
Former Republican U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory met to talk about next year's House race. As the two sipped Diet Cokes, Hayes asked McCrory the question he'd asked before: Would the mayor run?
No, McCrory replied.
“It was obvious that he wasn't going to do it now,” Hayes said, “so I needed to get out of the way and let the primary develop so we can win the general election.”
On Wednesday the five-term congressman announced he won't seek a rematch against Democrat Larry Kissell in the district that stretches from Charlotte to Fayetteville.
U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican and top recruiter for the National Republican Congressional Committee, was in North Carolina this week scouting GOP candidates for several House seats held by Democrats, including the 8th District.
“Robin's been very helpful in helping us find somebody,” he said Tuesday.
Wednesday, McCrory declined to discuss the race. “Right now my total focus is on completing my term,” he said.
Sources say the mayor had privately told party insiders not to expect him to make the race.
The biggest beneficiary of Hayes' decision may be Kissell.
Hayes, a wealthy textile heir, has the resources and name recognition few Republicans in the district can match. In 2008 he spent $3.8 million on the race to Kissell's $1.5 million.
“I understand that Mr. Hayes wants to spend more time with his family,” Kissell said Wednesday. “I've seen on the campaign trail how much they mean to him and I know he will enjoy devoting more time to them. I know I speak for thousands of people when I thank him for his past service. I wish him the best.”
Despite Hayes' decision, McCarthy said he expects 2010 to be a good year for Republicans.
“The climate is going to be much different than the last two election cycles,” he said. “You look at town hall meetings and others, there's a frustration out there. People are looking for new faces, fresh ideas.”
Democrats dismissed the notion.
“The NRCC is trying to recruit the same out-of-touch candidates who support the same failed policies that left hardworking North Carolina families behind,” said spokeswoman Jessica Santillo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “But the Republicans' tour, like their out-of-touch policies, is crashing and burning.”
Jim Morrill: 704-358-5059
