Con. Larry Kissel, More Vulnerable Daily
Democrat Congressman Larry Kissell achieved notoriety as a school teacher in touch with the common man. He campaigned as an outsider who felt the pain of folks who had lost their jobs. He wore his liberalism proudly campaigning as the answer to the jobless woes of the 8th district.
But rhetoric and reality are catching up with the 1st term congressman. Though liberal, Kissell has been rather difficult to read. He voted against healthcare legislation and cap and trade. One has to wonder what he really stands for. Of the districts likely to fall in the state this year, I’d say Kissell’s is squarlely within the GOP’s grasp. It doesn’t hurt that most of the lamentations seem to be coming from his own team.
Dannie Montgomery, a teacher from Anson County who served as first vice chair of the N.C. Democratic Party, said in a news release that Kissell “has turned his back on the grassroots supporters who propelled him to office,” Jim Morrill of The Charlotte Observer reports. She said Kissell has alienated some African American leaders in the 8th District, which could dampen black turnout. She said she has encouraged Charlotte lawyer Chris Kouri to challenge Kissell. Kouri ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2002 against Republican Robin Hayes
(comment correcting cap and trade appreciated)