Tuesday, November 2, 2010
RFK Jr. endorses Billy Kennedy, records message to get out the vote
Zach Galifianakis asks voters to support Billy
Stand-up comedian and actor Zach Galifianakis, a Wilkes County native, has lent his support to Billy Kennedy's campaign and recorded a message which was received by voters across the 5th District on the eve of Tuesday's election.
Click here to listen.
Thanks, Zach!
Click here to listen.Thanks, Zach!
Monday, November 1, 2010
We are winning in four counties!
Hello Team Kennedy!
Early voting has ended and Kennedy fought for each and every early vote. Our preliminary numbers show us carrying four key counties in the district, and with your help on Election Day we can secure four more important counties and send Billy to Washington.
This midterm election is the most important election of a generation, and you don't want to be the only one sitting on the sidelines in 2010.
What can you do?
Call those who haven't voted and ask them to vote on Election Day for Billy Kennedy!
We need each and every one of our supporters to make 20 phone calls to push our campaign closer to victory tomorrow. We have fought a hard campaign that has been recognized state-wide for it's grassroots field program and dependable supporters.
Will you do your part to encourage voters to come out and support Billy tomorrow? Let's prove the talking heads wrong and show them that the working man can win in 2010.
Fired up, Ready to go!
Jesse A. Presnell
Billy Kennedy for Congress
Field Director
Early voting has ended and Kennedy fought for each and every early vote. Our preliminary numbers show us carrying four key counties in the district, and with your help on Election Day we can secure four more important counties and send Billy to Washington.
This midterm election is the most important election of a generation, and you don't want to be the only one sitting on the sidelines in 2010.
What can you do?
Call those who haven't voted and ask them to vote on Election Day for Billy Kennedy!
We need each and every one of our supporters to make 20 phone calls to push our campaign closer to victory tomorrow. We have fought a hard campaign that has been recognized state-wide for it's grassroots field program and dependable supporters.
Will you do your part to encourage voters to come out and support Billy tomorrow? Let's prove the talking heads wrong and show them that the working man can win in 2010.
Fired up, Ready to go!
Jesse A. Presnell
Billy Kennedy for Congress
Field Director
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Four Days to Go ... Will You Help?
We are down to the wire. We have only four days left to change Washington. While the pundits say the national Republican tide is strong, we have done this before. We have won when the chips are down, and that's why we need you more than ever now.
We are proud to support a man like Billy Kennedy for Congress. His closing remarks at the debate are a clarion call for action in these final days. Click on this link to see Billy's call to change Washington.
After watching the video, sign up to volunteer at one of our get-out-the vote events in an area near you. Call, email, facebook, and twitter your friends and ask them to come help us too. With your help we will fix the broken politics of Washington.
Many of you stepped up to the plate when we asked you to keep our ads on the air, and now we are asking for something just as precious--your time AND your vote.
Friday 10/29
1 pm - 4 pm, 4 pm - 8 pm
Saturday 10/30
9 am-1 pm, 1-4 pm, 4- 8pm
Sunday 10/31
3-5 pm, 5-7 pm, 7-9 pm
Monday 11/1
9 am-1 pm, 1-4 pm, 4- 9pm
Tuesday 11/2
6 am-9 am, 9 am-1 pm, 1-4 pm, 4-7 pm
Door to door canvassers (wear comfortable shoes)
Also need food and drink, gas cards, and general office help at each location.
420 East 2nd Street
West Jefferson, NC 28694
Watauga County Democratic Party Headquarters
770 W King Street
Boone, NC 28607
Wilkes County Democratic Party Headquarters
Behind Rite Aid at 1350 West D Street
N Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Forsyth County Democratic Party Headquarters
1128 Burke Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Billy Kennedy for Congress Elkin Headquarters
110 Alley Way
Elkin, NC 28621
Alexander County Democratic Party Headquarters
204 SW 1st Street
Taylorsville, NC 28681
Iredell County Democratic Party Headquarters
233 E. Front Street
Statesville, NC 28677
Thanks for all your help. Give us a few hours of your time and we will give you a Congressman!
Look forward to working with you over the next few days. Please let us know when we can count on your help by calling 828.262.4940.
We are proud to support a man like Billy Kennedy for Congress. His closing remarks at the debate are a clarion call for action in these final days. Click on this link to see Billy's call to change Washington.
After watching the video, sign up to volunteer at one of our get-out-the vote events in an area near you. Call, email, facebook, and twitter your friends and ask them to come help us too. With your help we will fix the broken politics of Washington.
Many of you stepped up to the plate when we asked you to keep our ads on the air, and now we are asking for something just as precious--your time AND your vote.
GOTV Schedule Friday, 10/29 through Tuesday, 11/2
Friday 10/29
1 pm - 4 pm, 4 pm - 8 pm
Saturday 10/30
9 am-1 pm, 1-4 pm, 4- 8pm
Sunday 10/31
3-5 pm, 5-7 pm, 7-9 pm
Monday 11/1
9 am-1 pm, 1-4 pm, 4- 9pm
Tuesday 11/2
6 am-9 am, 9 am-1 pm, 1-4 pm, 4-7 pm
What we need:
Phone callers (bring your cell phone and charger and/or laptop)Door to door canvassers (wear comfortable shoes)
Also need food and drink, gas cards, and general office help at each location.
Locations:
To RSVP for any location: 828.262.4940
Ashe County Democratic Party Headquarters420 East 2nd Street
West Jefferson, NC 28694
Watauga County Democratic Party Headquarters
770 W King Street
Boone, NC 28607
Wilkes County Democratic Party Headquarters
Behind Rite Aid at 1350 West D Street
N Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Forsyth County Democratic Party Headquarters
1128 Burke Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Billy Kennedy for Congress Elkin Headquarters
110 Alley Way
Elkin, NC 28621
Alexander County Democratic Party Headquarters
204 SW 1st Street
Taylorsville, NC 28681
Iredell County Democratic Party Headquarters
233 E. Front Street
Statesville, NC 28677
Thanks for all your help. Give us a few hours of your time and we will give you a Congressman!
Look forward to working with you over the next few days. Please let us know when we can count on your help by calling 828.262.4940.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Join Billie in supporting Billy! Vote Early!
"She said she has always been a strong Democrat and she was excited to vote for Billy," said Heath.
Heath is an Iraq war veteran who has been working hard in Winston-Salem to get out the vote for Billy.
Join Heath by volunteering and join Billie by voting early today!
This is your opportunity to change your representation in Congress.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Join Us with Elaine Marshall in Winston-Salem
Dear supporters:
I'll be in Winston-Salem tomorrow with a few friends -- Elaine Marshall, Senator Linda Garrou, Representative Earline Parmon, Representative Larry Womble, along with other Forsyth County elected officials and candidates. I hope you'll join us for a big Early Voting Rally.
When: This Friday, October 22 at High Noon (We are asking everyone
to arrive before 11:45 am.)
Location: The Government Center
201 N Chestnut St
Winston Salem, NC 27101
We've got the momentum, and we've got to keep it going for 12 more days! Please join us.
If you can't make the rally, we need your help making calls. Click here to help us get out the vote.
Sincerely,
Billy Kennedy
I'll be in Winston-Salem tomorrow with a few friends -- Elaine Marshall, Senator Linda Garrou, Representative Earline Parmon, Representative Larry Womble, along with other Forsyth County elected officials and candidates. I hope you'll join us for a big Early Voting Rally.
When: This Friday, October 22 at High Noon (We are asking everyone
to arrive before 11:45 am.)
Location: The Government Center
201 N Chestnut St
Winston Salem, NC 27101
We've got the momentum, and we've got to keep it going for 12 more days! Please join us.
If you can't make the rally, we need your help making calls. Click here to help us get out the vote.
Sincerely,
Billy Kennedy
Monday, October 18, 2010
DownwithTyranny: 5th District winnable for Kennedy
Published at downwithtyranny.blogspot.com
Monday, Oct. 18, 2010
Billy Kennedy's go at the seat Foxx is occupying-- and how it is looking more and more possible. The Winston-Salem Journal endorsement of Kennedy against Foxx was devastating to her, since she's always had the support of the district's biggest newspaper in the past.
Click here to read more...
Monday, Oct. 18, 2010
Billy Kennedy's go at the seat Foxx is occupying-- and how it is looking more and more possible. The Winston-Salem Journal endorsement of Kennedy against Foxx was devastating to her, since she's always had the support of the district's biggest newspaper in the past.
Click here to read more...
Virginia Foxx: Crazy or Just Cruel?
posted at Alan Colmes' Liberaland
October 15, 2010
by Sandi Behrns
Rep. Virginia Foxx, who has inexplicably represented North Carolina’s 5th District for four terms, met her Democratic rival Billy Kennedy Thursday night, for their second debate in three days. Foxx got off to a particularly bad start when she attempted to disparage Billy Kennedy’s claim to be a regular working man. She smirked as she held up her own hands as proof that she works. The audience gasped. It seems everyone in attendance knew that Billy Kennedy lost the tip of his index finger in a workplace carpentry accident almost four years ago. Everyone, that is, except Mrs. Foxx.
Click here to read more....
October 15, 2010
by Sandi Behrns
Rep. Virginia Foxx, who has inexplicably represented North Carolina’s 5th District for four terms, met her Democratic rival Billy Kennedy Thursday night, for their second debate in three days. Foxx got off to a particularly bad start when she attempted to disparage Billy Kennedy’s claim to be a regular working man. She smirked as she held up her own hands as proof that she works. The audience gasped. It seems everyone in attendance knew that Billy Kennedy lost the tip of his index finger in a workplace carpentry accident almost four years ago. Everyone, that is, except Mrs. Foxx.
Click here to read more....
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Kennedy-Foxx Debate full audio now available online
You can now listen to the full audio recording in MP3 format from the Oct. 12 debate between Billy and incumbent Virginia Foxx. Just follow the links below from NPR station WFDD:
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Foxx, Kennedy Battle in First Major Debate of Midterm Elections
Published by The Mountain Times
October, 13, 2010
By Jesse Campbell
West Jefferson became center stage Tuesday night for what is shaping up to be a hotly contested race for the Fifth Congressional District seat between Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Democratic challenger Billy Kennedy.
The Ashe Civic Center was filled to near capacity as some residents found their place against the back wall to hear the candidates exchange in a war of words over some of the more controversial issues facing the nation today including the economy, immigration, abortion, proper use of the nation's military, education and the role of the federal government in those issues. ...
In terms of job retention, Kennedy attacked Foxx's policies on keeping jobs from going overseas and pointed out that the unemployment rate in the district had more than doubled since the beginning of her tenure. Foxx believes that lowering the nation's corporate tax, the second highest in the world, will create more jobs stateside and act as incentive to keep companies from leaving.
Throughout much of the night, Foxx battled claims made by Kennedy that her actions in Congress were influenced by corporate contributions.
Click here to read full article.
October, 13, 2010
By Jesse Campbell
West Jefferson became center stage Tuesday night for what is shaping up to be a hotly contested race for the Fifth Congressional District seat between Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Democratic challenger Billy Kennedy.
The Ashe Civic Center was filled to near capacity as some residents found their place against the back wall to hear the candidates exchange in a war of words over some of the more controversial issues facing the nation today including the economy, immigration, abortion, proper use of the nation's military, education and the role of the federal government in those issues. ...
In terms of job retention, Kennedy attacked Foxx's policies on keeping jobs from going overseas and pointed out that the unemployment rate in the district had more than doubled since the beginning of her tenure. Foxx believes that lowering the nation's corporate tax, the second highest in the world, will create more jobs stateside and act as incentive to keep companies from leaving.
Throughout much of the night, Foxx battled claims made by Kennedy that her actions in Congress were influenced by corporate contributions.
Click here to read full article.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Billy Kennedy's Hands Win Another Battle with Incumbent Virginia Foxx
BOONE -- The audience was stunned tonight when Congresswoman Virginia Foxx tried to imply that Billy Kennedy isn't the working man he says he is. She smirked as she held up her own hands as proof that she works.
The audience in the Watauga County Courthouse gasped. Billy Kennedy lost the tip of his index finger in a workplace carpentry accident almost four years ago. Virginia Foxx apparently didn't know that.
After that opening, Virginia Foxx stuck with her Washington talking points.
She said she would like to see 5 percent across-the-board cuts to the federal budget.
What she didn't pause to explain was how 5 percent cuts to Social Security, Medicare and education -- to name only three programs important to 5th District citizens -- would harshly impact seniors, children and others already suffering from job losses and the stock market crash brought on by failed economic policies supported by Foxx.
Kennedy said, "I will not cut Social Security and Medicare."
Foxx defended the corporate takeover of our American democracy. She praised the Supreme Court decision this year that gave the biggest corporations the right to spend unlimited amounts of cash to influence our elections.
Billy Kennedy responded, "I'm all for individual rights. When corporations can show us their birth certificates, then we can give them the same rights as individuals."
Foxx said she supported no federal assistance for education -- zero. Kennedy in response defended the many lower-income students who had benefited from federal loans -- which Foxx has voted against -- and the importance of the Federal School Lunch Program which made learning a possibility for many kids in public school, and which Foxx also voted against.
Foxx suggested that federal unemployment benefits just made workers lazy. Kennedy countered that it takes a cold heart indeed to deny people who are truly hurting for work -- through no fault of their own -- a helping hand until they can find new jobs.
Tonight's encounter was the second face-to-face public exchange that Kennedy and Foxx have had in the past three days, and Kennedy got a second slam dunk.
The audience in the Watauga County Courthouse gasped. Billy Kennedy lost the tip of his index finger in a workplace carpentry accident almost four years ago. Virginia Foxx apparently didn't know that.
After that opening, Virginia Foxx stuck with her Washington talking points.
She said she would like to see 5 percent across-the-board cuts to the federal budget.
What she didn't pause to explain was how 5 percent cuts to Social Security, Medicare and education -- to name only three programs important to 5th District citizens -- would harshly impact seniors, children and others already suffering from job losses and the stock market crash brought on by failed economic policies supported by Foxx.
Kennedy said, "I will not cut Social Security and Medicare."
Foxx defended the corporate takeover of our American democracy. She praised the Supreme Court decision this year that gave the biggest corporations the right to spend unlimited amounts of cash to influence our elections.
Billy Kennedy responded, "I'm all for individual rights. When corporations can show us their birth certificates, then we can give them the same rights as individuals."
Foxx said she supported no federal assistance for education -- zero. Kennedy in response defended the many lower-income students who had benefited from federal loans -- which Foxx has voted against -- and the importance of the Federal School Lunch Program which made learning a possibility for many kids in public school, and which Foxx also voted against.
Foxx suggested that federal unemployment benefits just made workers lazy. Kennedy countered that it takes a cold heart indeed to deny people who are truly hurting for work -- through no fault of their own -- a helping hand until they can find new jobs.
Tonight's encounter was the second face-to-face public exchange that Kennedy and Foxx have had in the past three days, and Kennedy got a second slam dunk.
This just in: Zach Galifianakis endorses Billy Kennedy
Posted at: Greensboro News & Record blog
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010
This just in from our Wilkes County bureau, aka government editor Margaret Banks:
Democrat Bill Kennedy, who is running against Republican U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx’s in the 5th Congressional District, picked up a bizarre yet important endorsement on Thursday:
Zach Galifianakis.
You know … the comedian? The weird bearded guy from “The Hangover?” The dude who shaved his beard on “Saturday Night Live?”
Galifianakis posted this entry on his Facebook page: “Hi, NC. Just a reminder of who Virginia Foxx is. She is not cool and no relation to Redd Foxx. Vote Bill Kennedy.”
Below that, he posted a link of Foxx on the House floor in April 2009, discussing Matthew Shepherd, the University of Wyoming student who was tortured and murdered after being lured out of a bar by two men. In the oft-played You Tube clip, Fox says Shepherd was killed while committing a robbery, not because he was gay – sparking outrage across the country.
So why does Galifianakis care? He’s from Wilkesboro, for starters. His parents still live there. He owns property in the county. And he has deep family ties to the Democratic party. His uncle, Nick Galifianakis, served in the N.C. House and the U.S. House, and ran unsuccessfully against Jesse Helms for U.S. Senate in 1972. In fact, it was Nick Galifianakis’ Greek heritage that prompted Helms’ famous slogan: “Jesse Helms: He’s One of Us.”
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010
This just in from our Wilkes County bureau, aka government editor Margaret Banks:
Democrat Bill Kennedy, who is running against Republican U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx’s in the 5th Congressional District, picked up a bizarre yet important endorsement on Thursday:
Zach Galifianakis.
You know … the comedian? The weird bearded guy from “The Hangover?” The dude who shaved his beard on “Saturday Night Live?”
Galifianakis posted this entry on his Facebook page: “Hi, NC. Just a reminder of who Virginia Foxx is. She is not cool and no relation to Redd Foxx. Vote Bill Kennedy.”
Below that, he posted a link of Foxx on the House floor in April 2009, discussing Matthew Shepherd, the University of Wyoming student who was tortured and murdered after being lured out of a bar by two men. In the oft-played You Tube clip, Fox says Shepherd was killed while committing a robbery, not because he was gay – sparking outrage across the country.
So why does Galifianakis care? He’s from Wilkesboro, for starters. His parents still live there. He owns property in the county. And he has deep family ties to the Democratic party. His uncle, Nick Galifianakis, served in the N.C. House and the U.S. House, and ran unsuccessfully against Jesse Helms for U.S. Senate in 1972. In fact, it was Nick Galifianakis’ Greek heritage that prompted Helms’ famous slogan: “Jesse Helms: He’s One of Us.”
Gloves Off: Foxx, Kennedy Debate Issues Before Full House
Published by High Country Press
Oct. 14, 2010
By Anna Oakes
At a debate in West Jefferson Tuesday, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx called the 2010 mid-term election “the most important election in my lifetime” and often blamed Democrats for the country’s economic woes, while her opponent, Democrat Billy Kennedy, attempted to paint Foxx as a career politician beholden to corporate interests and vowed to put people over corporations.
The 90-minute debate, hosted by the New River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), took place at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. The two candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives seat representing North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District fielded questions from a panel of three local media professionals.
Click here to read full article.
Oct. 14, 2010
By Anna Oakes
At a debate in West Jefferson Tuesday, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx called the 2010 mid-term election “the most important election in my lifetime” and often blamed Democrats for the country’s economic woes, while her opponent, Democrat Billy Kennedy, attempted to paint Foxx as a career politician beholden to corporate interests and vowed to put people over corporations.
The 90-minute debate, hosted by the New River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), took place at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. The two candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives seat representing North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District fielded questions from a panel of three local media professionals.
Click here to read full article.
Foxx, Kennedy Debate Issues
Published by the Jefferson Post
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010
By Linda Burchette
WEST JEFFERSON -- Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and her Democratic challenger, Billy Kennedy, took every opportunity at Tuesday night’s forum to make clear the differences between them. By Wednesday morning, Foxx’s website was claiming debate victory for the six-year incumbent, but judging by the crowd’s reactions last night Kennedy appeared to be the favorite.
Conducted by the New River Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America (MOAA), the forum took place at Ashe Civic Center, with questions submitted by the public and presented by a panel of journalists. Topics included jobs, environment, healthcare, immigration and the economy.
Click here to read full article.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010
By Linda Burchette
WEST JEFFERSON -- Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and her Democratic challenger, Billy Kennedy, took every opportunity at Tuesday night’s forum to make clear the differences between them. By Wednesday morning, Foxx’s website was claiming debate victory for the six-year incumbent, but judging by the crowd’s reactions last night Kennedy appeared to be the favorite.
Conducted by the New River Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America (MOAA), the forum took place at Ashe Civic Center, with questions submitted by the public and presented by a panel of journalists. Topics included jobs, environment, healthcare, immigration and the economy.
Click here to read full article.
Billy Kennedy: This One Could Surprise Us
Posted by BlueAmerica on October 13, 2010
Dear Friend,
The most appealing things about the Dean tenure's 50 state strategy was the idea that you never know what might happen in any campaign so it was best to be prepared and at least nominally support candidates everywhere just in case the brilliant electoral prognosticators in DC might not always know ahead of time who is and isn't "unelectable." (I can't help but think that if these people were so damned good at picking winners, we wouldn't find ourselves on the brink of electoral disaster quite as often as we do.) So, it's been left to the progressive netroots and grassroots to try to give some of these candidates a little support to make up for the fact that the party refuses to even spend a penny to help them out.
Aside from the important work of spreading the good word and building movement politics for the long term, sometimes unexpected things do happen. For instance, Blue America candidate Billy Kennedy, who is challenging the intellectually challenged Virginia Foxx in NC-05, may just pull this thing out despite the fact that the DCCC has behaved as if the loony Republican is impossible to beat. The major newspaper of the district, the Winston-Salem Journal, which normally endorses Republicans, came out for Kennedy this past week-end and made a very good case for his election:
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from Watauga County, has not achieved any great accomplishments for the residents of the 5th Congressional District, and has angered and embarrassed many with her sometimes wild statements that seem designed to provoke. It’s time for a fresh, progressive voice in the 5th District. We believe that Democrat Billy Kennedy, a Watauga farmer and carpenter who says he’ll work to reverse the high rate of unemployment in the district, is that voice. He’s the best candidate in the Nov. 2 election for the 5th District.
Blue America has raised money this year to run some ads against Foxx and they've upset the poor delicate hate merchant so much she sent out a letter to her constituents to beg them for help: Several liberal organizations have coordinated with our opponent’s campaign to run some personal attack ads against Congresswoman Foxx. You may have seen these disgusting ads. Instead of condemning these ugly attacks, our opponent’s campaign praised them and said that Foxx supporters don’t have a brain or a heart. These types of attacks really cross the line.
That's right, the woman who said on the floor of the House (in the presence of his mother) that the Matthew Shepard hate crime was a hoax is complaining that our ads "cross the line."
Want to help us run some more?
So far our ad has only run in the suburbs of Winston-Salem. Help us raise the money we need to run it across the district between now and election day. Think of how sweet it would be on November 3 to wake up without Virginia Foxx's brand of rancid hate mongering in Washington. And the DCCC will not lift a finger to help. Will you?
It could happen.
Thanks again for doing what you can,
Digby, John, Howie and the Blue America team
Dear Friend,
The most appealing things about the Dean tenure's 50 state strategy was the idea that you never know what might happen in any campaign so it was best to be prepared and at least nominally support candidates everywhere just in case the brilliant electoral prognosticators in DC might not always know ahead of time who is and isn't "unelectable." (I can't help but think that if these people were so damned good at picking winners, we wouldn't find ourselves on the brink of electoral disaster quite as often as we do.) So, it's been left to the progressive netroots and grassroots to try to give some of these candidates a little support to make up for the fact that the party refuses to even spend a penny to help them out.
Aside from the important work of spreading the good word and building movement politics for the long term, sometimes unexpected things do happen. For instance, Blue America candidate Billy Kennedy, who is challenging the intellectually challenged Virginia Foxx in NC-05, may just pull this thing out despite the fact that the DCCC has behaved as if the loony Republican is impossible to beat. The major newspaper of the district, the Winston-Salem Journal, which normally endorses Republicans, came out for Kennedy this past week-end and made a very good case for his election:
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from Watauga County, has not achieved any great accomplishments for the residents of the 5th Congressional District, and has angered and embarrassed many with her sometimes wild statements that seem designed to provoke. It’s time for a fresh, progressive voice in the 5th District. We believe that Democrat Billy Kennedy, a Watauga farmer and carpenter who says he’ll work to reverse the high rate of unemployment in the district, is that voice. He’s the best candidate in the Nov. 2 election for the 5th District.
Blue America has raised money this year to run some ads against Foxx and they've upset the poor delicate hate merchant so much she sent out a letter to her constituents to beg them for help: Several liberal organizations have coordinated with our opponent’s campaign to run some personal attack ads against Congresswoman Foxx. You may have seen these disgusting ads. Instead of condemning these ugly attacks, our opponent’s campaign praised them and said that Foxx supporters don’t have a brain or a heart. These types of attacks really cross the line.
That's right, the woman who said on the floor of the House (in the presence of his mother) that the Matthew Shepard hate crime was a hoax is complaining that our ads "cross the line."
Want to help us run some more?
So far our ad has only run in the suburbs of Winston-Salem. Help us raise the money we need to run it across the district between now and election day. Think of how sweet it would be on November 3 to wake up without Virginia Foxx's brand of rancid hate mongering in Washington. And the DCCC will not lift a finger to help. Will you?
It could happen.
Thanks again for doing what you can,
Digby, John, Howie and the Blue America team
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
WXII-TV reports on Kennedy-Foxx debate
Published at WXII12.com
October 13, 2010
The only debate in the 5th District Congressional race took place Tuesday night between the Republican incumbent Virginia Foxx and Democrat Billy Kennedy. (Click here to watch news report).
October 13, 2010
The only debate in the 5th District Congressional race took place Tuesday night between the Republican incumbent Virginia Foxx and Democrat Billy Kennedy. (Click here to watch news report).
Newcomer Kennedy Wins Debate Versus Incumbent Foxx
WEST JEFFERSON, N.C. -- Kennedy Beats Foxx in First Debate
Billy Kennedy, candidate for US House (NC, 5th District) came out swinging at his debate with incumbent Congresswoman Virginia Foxx tonight at the Ashe County Civic Center. The standing-room-only crowd seemed to agree that Kennedy had won the night.
When asked by the panel about ideas for new technologies and energy sources, Rep. Foxx responded that there was plenty of oil and coal, denied that there was any shortage of resources, saying "that God gave us the earth's resources to use, and we should use them." Kennedy replied, "My dad was a minister, but I think the good Lord gave us brains and the ability to be a part of this society."
"Professional politicians really don't know how to get the job done," Kennedy added.
Kennedy hammered at Foxx for her reliance on corporate money, saying she was "beholden" to the special interests that were funding her campaigns. He pointed to the audience and said, "Send a working man to Washington, one who doesn't owe anything to anyone except to you."
When Foxx said she supported continued tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs to distant shores and supported unlimited and anonymous buying of campaigns by corporations, Kennedy said that's because these same companies were buying Foxx's votes: "When these companies give a candidate, like my opponent, a check for $5,000, they expect $50,000 or $100,000 in return."
When Foxx said the federal government has no business involving itself in education, Kennedy responded that the states couldn't handle the infrastructure and educational needs of students, and that students, teachers, and the nation's future would suffer. Kennedy pointed out that Foxx had even voted against the federal school lunch program.
Foxx said that she knew all about farming and had just eaten fresh green beans and potatoes last night. Kennedy related his own farm wisdom. "I'm concerned about the amount of manure that's being piled on the people of the 5th District."
Kennedy grabbed the upper hand on issues that might be considered safe harbor for a self-professed "conservative" candidate. When Foxx said she didn't support Roe v. Wade, Kennedy reminded her it was the law of the land and that America was a nation of laws.
Debate attendees cheered and applauded as Kennedy took down each of Foxx's talking points one by one, with wit, humor, and respect. The overflow crowd at the Ashe Civic Center did not take kindly to Foxx's declaration that she would do everything she could in Congress to see that the health-insurance reform law was repealed. The crowd actually booed her. When Foxx claimed that there were no terrorist attacks during the presidency of George W. Bush, people in the audience began yelling out "9/11?"
Rep. Foxx seemed genuinely shocked that the audience was not with her. The greatest shock, no doubt, was that she found herself completely undone by a farmer from Bethel.
Billy Kennedy, candidate for US House (NC, 5th District) came out swinging at his debate with incumbent Congresswoman Virginia Foxx tonight at the Ashe County Civic Center. The standing-room-only crowd seemed to agree that Kennedy had won the night.
When asked by the panel about ideas for new technologies and energy sources, Rep. Foxx responded that there was plenty of oil and coal, denied that there was any shortage of resources, saying "that God gave us the earth's resources to use, and we should use them." Kennedy replied, "My dad was a minister, but I think the good Lord gave us brains and the ability to be a part of this society."
"Professional politicians really don't know how to get the job done," Kennedy added.
Kennedy hammered at Foxx for her reliance on corporate money, saying she was "beholden" to the special interests that were funding her campaigns. He pointed to the audience and said, "Send a working man to Washington, one who doesn't owe anything to anyone except to you."
When Foxx said she supported continued tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs to distant shores and supported unlimited and anonymous buying of campaigns by corporations, Kennedy said that's because these same companies were buying Foxx's votes: "When these companies give a candidate, like my opponent, a check for $5,000, they expect $50,000 or $100,000 in return."
When Foxx said the federal government has no business involving itself in education, Kennedy responded that the states couldn't handle the infrastructure and educational needs of students, and that students, teachers, and the nation's future would suffer. Kennedy pointed out that Foxx had even voted against the federal school lunch program.
Foxx said that she knew all about farming and had just eaten fresh green beans and potatoes last night. Kennedy related his own farm wisdom. "I'm concerned about the amount of manure that's being piled on the people of the 5th District."
Kennedy grabbed the upper hand on issues that might be considered safe harbor for a self-professed "conservative" candidate. When Foxx said she didn't support Roe v. Wade, Kennedy reminded her it was the law of the land and that America was a nation of laws.
Debate attendees cheered and applauded as Kennedy took down each of Foxx's talking points one by one, with wit, humor, and respect. The overflow crowd at the Ashe Civic Center did not take kindly to Foxx's declaration that she would do everything she could in Congress to see that the health-insurance reform law was repealed. The crowd actually booed her. When Foxx claimed that there were no terrorist attacks during the presidency of George W. Bush, people in the audience began yelling out "9/11?"
Rep. Foxx seemed genuinely shocked that the audience was not with her. The greatest shock, no doubt, was that she found herself completely undone by a farmer from Bethel.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Winston-Salem Journal: Billy Kennedy for Congress
Published Oct. 11, 2010
Winston-Salem Journal
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from Watauga County, has not achieved any great accomplishments for the residents of the 5th Congressional District, and has angered and embarrassed many with her sometimes wild statements that seem designed to provoke. It’s time for a fresh, progressive voice in the 5th District. We believe that Democrat Billy Kennedy, a Watauga farmer and carpenter who says he’ll work to reverse the high rate of unemployment in the district, is that voice. He’s the best candidate in the Nov. 2 election for the 5th District.
“I’d like to make Congress work,” Kennedy, 52, recently told the Journal. “I believe with the bickering going on, they’re not solving problems.”
We endorsed Foxx, 67, in the Republican primary as she ran against an opponent less qualified than Kennedy. Her constituent service is strong, we noted, and we’ve occasionally praised her on this page, as when she sponsored a bill that tweaked the federal tax code so that troops stationed overseas can invest their income in individual retirement accounts.
While fiscal conservatism is good, Foxx, who is finishing her third term, has been too tight with the federal purse strings. For example, she does not support the Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act, which would allocate $75 million over the next five years to preserve land along the parkway. Foxx has said she’d normally support such a measure, but not in the current economic times. But the parkway, a major cash cow of the state’s tourism industry, brings in more money in a single year — $2.1 billion dollars, through 17 million visitors — than the cost of the entire act. U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican who also touts fiscal conservatism, realized that when he crossed the aisle to sponsor the protection act with Sen. Kay Hagan.
Then there are Foxx’ statements, which reflect a viewpoint far to the right of many of her constituents. Foxx, a former college educator and graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro, said on the House floor in January that the federal government “should not be funding education.”
Last November, she said on the floor that “I believe that the greatest fear that we all should have ... to our freedom comes from this room, this very room, and what may happen later this week in terms of a tax-increase bill masquerading as a health-care bill. I believe we have more to fear from the potential of that bill passing than we do from any terrorist right now in any country.” (In July of 2009, she had said the Republican version of the health-care plan is “pro-life because it will not put seniors in a position of being put to death by their government.”)
In April 2009, she suggested to students at North Surry High School that tobacco was no worse than Mountain Dew. That same month, she said on the House floor that it was a “hoax” that Matthew Shepard’s 1998 killing in Wyoming had anything to do with him being gay.
She issued a quasi-apology for the Shepard statement, and she and her spokesman have sought to explain the other statements by contextualizing them. But the fact remains that she has continued to make such statements, the worst of which was comparing the potential danger of the health-care bill to terrorism. She’s positioned herself so far to the right that, even if her party regains a majority in the House with this election, it’s doubtful that she’d gain any power.
That said, Foxx will be hard to beat. Her district, which stretches from the mountains to Winston-Salem, is heavily Republican. She has more than $1 million in campaign money. Kennedy, making his first run for office, has raised about $240,000.
But Kennedy, a graduate of what’s now Rhodes College in Memphis, says he has a good chance of beating Foxx. He’s getting his message out through canvassing and calling, supported by a small but dedicated core of volunteers working Facebook and Twitter. The 5th District has one of the highest rates of job losses of any district in the country, he said, and people want a candidate who will work hard to create jobs.
“I worry about the middle class getting squeezed. People are suffering,” he recently told the Journal. “They’re worried about losing their homes. People are hurting and they want solutions.”
Kennedy says he’s a good listener, a man who can work with Republicans to solve problems. He’s more even-tempered than Foxx. He says he wants to concentrate on creating jobs and improving education, rather than wedge issues such as gay rights. He wants to take away profit motives to ship jobs overseas by giving tax incentives to companies that hire and keep American workers. Tax incentives for new technology will help as well, he said, as will putting more money into alternative forms of energy. He realizes that money for efforts such as the Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act is money well spent.
Kennedy said that he sees running for office “as a chance to serve others.”
The Journal endorses Billy Kennedy for the 5th District congressional seat.
In the 12th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Mel Watt faces challenges from Libertarian Lon Cecil of High Point and Republican Greg Dority of Washington, N.C., (Members of the House of Representatives are not required to live in their districts.) Mel Watt, a good congressman, is the best choice by far in this race.
Winston-Salem Journal
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from Watauga County, has not achieved any great accomplishments for the residents of the 5th Congressional District, and has angered and embarrassed many with her sometimes wild statements that seem designed to provoke. It’s time for a fresh, progressive voice in the 5th District. We believe that Democrat Billy Kennedy, a Watauga farmer and carpenter who says he’ll work to reverse the high rate of unemployment in the district, is that voice. He’s the best candidate in the Nov. 2 election for the 5th District.
“I’d like to make Congress work,” Kennedy, 52, recently told the Journal. “I believe with the bickering going on, they’re not solving problems.”
We endorsed Foxx, 67, in the Republican primary as she ran against an opponent less qualified than Kennedy. Her constituent service is strong, we noted, and we’ve occasionally praised her on this page, as when she sponsored a bill that tweaked the federal tax code so that troops stationed overseas can invest their income in individual retirement accounts.
While fiscal conservatism is good, Foxx, who is finishing her third term, has been too tight with the federal purse strings. For example, she does not support the Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act, which would allocate $75 million over the next five years to preserve land along the parkway. Foxx has said she’d normally support such a measure, but not in the current economic times. But the parkway, a major cash cow of the state’s tourism industry, brings in more money in a single year — $2.1 billion dollars, through 17 million visitors — than the cost of the entire act. U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, a Republican who also touts fiscal conservatism, realized that when he crossed the aisle to sponsor the protection act with Sen. Kay Hagan.
Then there are Foxx’ statements, which reflect a viewpoint far to the right of many of her constituents. Foxx, a former college educator and graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro, said on the House floor in January that the federal government “should not be funding education.”
Last November, she said on the floor that “I believe that the greatest fear that we all should have ... to our freedom comes from this room, this very room, and what may happen later this week in terms of a tax-increase bill masquerading as a health-care bill. I believe we have more to fear from the potential of that bill passing than we do from any terrorist right now in any country.” (In July of 2009, she had said the Republican version of the health-care plan is “pro-life because it will not put seniors in a position of being put to death by their government.”)
In April 2009, she suggested to students at North Surry High School that tobacco was no worse than Mountain Dew. That same month, she said on the House floor that it was a “hoax” that Matthew Shepard’s 1998 killing in Wyoming had anything to do with him being gay.
She issued a quasi-apology for the Shepard statement, and she and her spokesman have sought to explain the other statements by contextualizing them. But the fact remains that she has continued to make such statements, the worst of which was comparing the potential danger of the health-care bill to terrorism. She’s positioned herself so far to the right that, even if her party regains a majority in the House with this election, it’s doubtful that she’d gain any power.
That said, Foxx will be hard to beat. Her district, which stretches from the mountains to Winston-Salem, is heavily Republican. She has more than $1 million in campaign money. Kennedy, making his first run for office, has raised about $240,000.
But Kennedy, a graduate of what’s now Rhodes College in Memphis, says he has a good chance of beating Foxx. He’s getting his message out through canvassing and calling, supported by a small but dedicated core of volunteers working Facebook and Twitter. The 5th District has one of the highest rates of job losses of any district in the country, he said, and people want a candidate who will work hard to create jobs.
“I worry about the middle class getting squeezed. People are suffering,” he recently told the Journal. “They’re worried about losing their homes. People are hurting and they want solutions.”
Kennedy says he’s a good listener, a man who can work with Republicans to solve problems. He’s more even-tempered than Foxx. He says he wants to concentrate on creating jobs and improving education, rather than wedge issues such as gay rights. He wants to take away profit motives to ship jobs overseas by giving tax incentives to companies that hire and keep American workers. Tax incentives for new technology will help as well, he said, as will putting more money into alternative forms of energy. He realizes that money for efforts such as the Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act is money well spent.
Kennedy said that he sees running for office “as a chance to serve others.”
The Journal endorses Billy Kennedy for the 5th District congressional seat.
In the 12th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Mel Watt faces challenges from Libertarian Lon Cecil of High Point and Republican Greg Dority of Washington, N.C., (Members of the House of Representatives are not required to live in their districts.) Mel Watt, a good congressman, is the best choice by far in this race.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
URGENT TRAFFIC UPDATE FOR BROOKBERRY FARM EVENT
Due to a water main break in on Shallowford Road near the intersection of Country Club Road this afternoon, we are alerting our supporters attending the event at Brookberry Farm of new alternate directions below:
From Winston-Salem — Go onto US 421 West and take the Shallowford Road exit. Travel through Lewisville toward Winston-Salem on Shallowford Road. This will be about 5 miles. Once you pass Forsyth Country Day School, take Ketner Road on your left. Look for the Billy Kennedy signs and turn right onto the gravel road and follow up to the house.
From West of Winston-Salem — Come in on US 421 and take the Shallowford Road exit. Travel through Lewisville toward Winston-Salem on Shallowford Road. This will be about 5 miles. Once you pass Forsyth Country Day School, take Ketner Road on your left. Look for the Billy Kennedy signs and turn right onto the gravel road and follow up to the house.
From Winston-Salem — Go onto US 421 West and take the Shallowford Road exit. Travel through Lewisville toward Winston-Salem on Shallowford Road. This will be about 5 miles. Once you pass Forsyth Country Day School, take Ketner Road on your left. Look for the Billy Kennedy signs and turn right onto the gravel road and follow up to the house.
From West of Winston-Salem — Come in on US 421 and take the Shallowford Road exit. Travel through Lewisville toward Winston-Salem on Shallowford Road. This will be about 5 miles. Once you pass Forsyth Country Day School, take Ketner Road on your left. Look for the Billy Kennedy signs and turn right onto the gravel road and follow up to the house.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Candidate says Foxx is beatable
Winston-Salem Journal
Published: Thursday, August 19, 2010
By Scott Sexton, columnist
It may have taken Billy Kennedy a while to decide whether he wanted to run for Congress against the entrenched Republican incumbent, Rep. Virginia Foxx, but once he was in, he was really in.
For proof of Kennedy's commitment, informed, curious and undecided voters -- all four of you -- needn't have looked any farther than the traffic-choked and rain-slickened Five Points intersection Tuesday afternoon. There, despite overbearing heat and hothouse humidity, stood the 52-year-old Democratic candidate and a small cadre of die-hard supporters waving blue-and-white Kennedy for Congress signs at passing commuters.
It was a novel and cheap -- free, actually -- way for Kennedy to try to make noise in a 5th District race that many observers have said is unwinnable for a Democrat ever since the district was drawn after the 2000 census.
"It is an uphill battle, and I'd be foolish to say it's not," Kennedy said. "But I believe there is a level of frustration with Virginia that will translate to votes. People are hurting, and we have to do something to help." ... MORE
Published: Thursday, August 19, 2010
By Scott Sexton, columnist
It may have taken Billy Kennedy a while to decide whether he wanted to run for Congress against the entrenched Republican incumbent, Rep. Virginia Foxx, but once he was in, he was really in.
For proof of Kennedy's commitment, informed, curious and undecided voters -- all four of you -- needn't have looked any farther than the traffic-choked and rain-slickened Five Points intersection Tuesday afternoon. There, despite overbearing heat and hothouse humidity, stood the 52-year-old Democratic candidate and a small cadre of die-hard supporters waving blue-and-white Kennedy for Congress signs at passing commuters.
It was a novel and cheap -- free, actually -- way for Kennedy to try to make noise in a 5th District race that many observers have said is unwinnable for a Democrat ever since the district was drawn after the 2000 census.
"It is an uphill battle, and I'd be foolish to say it's not," Kennedy said. "But I believe there is a level of frustration with Virginia that will translate to votes. People are hurting, and we have to do something to help." ... MORE
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Truth About Foxx and Veterans
Billy Kennedy: Virginia Foxx, Better Late Than Never
Vilas, NC (August 10, 2010) -- Incumbent Virginia Foxx was in the news Monday morning ("Spouses of Vets May Get More Aid," Winston-Salem Journal) introducing a bill that will help surviving spouses of veterans get Veterans Affairs home loans.
Challenger Billy Kennedy issued the following statement:
"I applaud the incumbent's legislation and note that running for reelection has seemed to have a positive effect on her concern for veterans, because her record prior to today has been abysmal for veterans.
"In 2005, her first year in Congress, Disabled American Veterans gave her a grade of ZERO for her votes relating to veterans issues. In 2006, The Retired Enlisted Association graded her performance at 21 percent, while the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave her a grade of D.
"In 2008, Foxx voted 'no' on expanding the G.I. Bill. She has been very willing to send our troops to war, and even more willing to keep them there (she voted 'no' in 2007 on redeploying troops out of Iraq), but when it comes to offering them substantive help once they're back in civilian life, she's usually AWOL.
In September of 2008, she was one of only 58 members of Congress who voted against a continuing appropriations bill (H.R.2638) that funded veterans programs.
"In 2009, she received a '0' rating from the Military Officers Association of America for voting 'no' on the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, legislation that prevented a 21 percent reduction in physician payment rates for those military families enrolled in TRICARE, the civilian component of the military's health care system. MOAA strongly supported the bill, noting its defeat would have meant critical loss of access to health care for uniformed service members, retirees and their families.
"This is pretty classic incumbent political maneuvering right before an election. It's just too bad we can't count on Ms. Foxx to do the right thing until just a few days out from an election."
Vilas, NC (August 10, 2010) -- Incumbent Virginia Foxx was in the news Monday morning ("Spouses of Vets May Get More Aid," Winston-Salem Journal) introducing a bill that will help surviving spouses of veterans get Veterans Affairs home loans.
Challenger Billy Kennedy issued the following statement:
"I applaud the incumbent's legislation and note that running for reelection has seemed to have a positive effect on her concern for veterans, because her record prior to today has been abysmal for veterans.
"In 2005, her first year in Congress, Disabled American Veterans gave her a grade of ZERO for her votes relating to veterans issues. In 2006, The Retired Enlisted Association graded her performance at 21 percent, while the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave her a grade of D.
"In 2008, Foxx voted 'no' on expanding the G.I. Bill. She has been very willing to send our troops to war, and even more willing to keep them there (she voted 'no' in 2007 on redeploying troops out of Iraq), but when it comes to offering them substantive help once they're back in civilian life, she's usually AWOL.
In September of 2008, she was one of only 58 members of Congress who voted against a continuing appropriations bill (H.R.2638) that funded veterans programs.
"In 2009, she received a '0' rating from the Military Officers Association of America for voting 'no' on the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, legislation that prevented a 21 percent reduction in physician payment rates for those military families enrolled in TRICARE, the civilian component of the military's health care system. MOAA strongly supported the bill, noting its defeat would have meant critical loss of access to health care for uniformed service members, retirees and their families.
"This is pretty classic incumbent political maneuvering right before an election. It's just too bad we can't count on Ms. Foxx to do the right thing until just a few days out from an election."
--------
Notes
Interest group ratings Project Vote Smart 2005
Interest group ratings, Project Vote Smart,Project Vote Smart 2007 H.R.2956 Redeployment from Iraq Act, bill passed the House on 07/12/2007, 223 - 201, with Foxx voting in the minority
H.R.2638, vote to concur with Senate amendments and further amend a bill that continued funding at mostly the same levels as authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (HR 2764) and appropriated an additional $668.3 billion to several departments including the Veterans Affairs Department.
Interest group rating, Project Vote Smart 2009
Interest group ratings Project Vote Smart 2005
Interest group ratings, Project Vote Smart,Project Vote Smart 2007 H.R.2956 Redeployment from Iraq Act, bill passed the House on 07/12/2007, 223 - 201, with Foxx voting in the minority
H.R.2638, vote to concur with Senate amendments and further amend a bill that continued funding at mostly the same levels as authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (HR 2764) and appropriated an additional $668.3 billion to several departments including the Veterans Affairs Department.
Interest group rating, Project Vote Smart 2009
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Help us send Billy to Washington
Join our Day of Action, Saturday August 7
The Billy Kennedy for Congress campaign has been working diligently to ensure a big victory against incumbent Virginia Foxx in November. This year's historically low turnout means one very important thing -- EVERY SINGLE VOTE COUNTS.
We have an outstanding field program based in 5 regions across the district, implementing our state of the art field plan. We have been talking to 5th District voters and asking them about the issues every day, but August 7th is a special day across the district.
On August 7th, the BK4C campaign, in conjunction with Organizing for America and the North Carolina Democratic Party, will be hosting a "Day of Action."
Volunteers across the state will be coming together to do their part in electing Billy Kennedy. Will you commit to volunteering for one of our many events across the district?
We plan to reach 1,200 voters in one day and let them know why Billy Kennedy will work hard for them once elected to Congress and to remind them just how important their vote is this November. Won't you be a part of this historic campaign for working people's principles?
Click on a county below to RSVP for an an event in your area:
Ashe County
Second Floor Office Space above Ana Maria's Gift Shop
16 North Jefferson Avenue
West Jefferson, NC 28694
9am - 1pm
Alleghany County
Miles Realty
565 South Main Street
Sparta, NC 28675
1pm - 4pm
Alexander County
Alexander Democratic HQ
204 SW 1st Street
Taylorsville, NC 28681
9am - 6pm
Davie County
Davie County Public Library
371 North Main Street
Mocksville, NC 27028
12pm - 4pm
Forsyth County
Forsyth Democratic HQ
1128 Burke Street
Winston Salem, NC 27101
9am - 6pm
Iredell County
Iredell Democratic HQ
233 East Front Street
Statesville, NC 28677
9am - 6pm
Stokes County
Walnut Cove Public Library
106 West Fifth Street
Walnut Cove, NC 27052
9am - 1 pm
Surry County
Ric Marshall for NC Senate Headquarters (Mount Airy, NC)
228 Franklin Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
9am - 1pm
Watauga County
Watauga County Democratic Party Headquarters
770 West King Street
Boone, NC 28607
9am - 7pm
Wilkes County
N Wilkesboro Police Department
719 Main Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
9am - 2pm
Yadkin County
WN Ireland Insurance Agency
113 East Main Street
Yadkinville, NC 27055
10am - 1pm
In addition to this historic day of action, Billy Kennedy is committed to helping improve job possibilities for 5th district constituents. To this end, the Kennedy for Congress campaign is seeking volunteers who have the skills and/or backgrounds to help 5th district job seekers with resume writing, cover letters, job applications, and development of basic interview skills. Specifically, we are looking for volunteers who can commit to two consecutive days of one-on-one interaction with job seekers later this month.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please respond here.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Unemployment Benefits Finally Approved
Friday, July 23, 2010
Published at Downwithtyranny.blogspot.com
Yesterday the House voted one last time -- so that their bill and the one the Senate finally passed this week would be identical and Obama could sign it, retroactively sending missed insurance compensation checks to over 2.6 million Americans thrown out of work by the very policies put forward by the conservatives who voted against unemployment insurance! ...
Interestingly, every single Republican the Blue America candidates are running against voted in opposition to the extension: Michele Bachmann, John Boehner, Calvert, Campbell, and, of course, North Carolina crackpot Virginia Foxx. Ah... yes, crackpot Virginia Foxx... I called Billy Kennedy what the folks in western North Carolina think about Foxx's anti-family antics.
He told me that around 9,300 of her constituents "have lost their jobs due to outsourcing to cheaper labor in China."
Published at Downwithtyranny.blogspot.com
Yesterday the House voted one last time -- so that their bill and the one the Senate finally passed this week would be identical and Obama could sign it, retroactively sending missed insurance compensation checks to over 2.6 million Americans thrown out of work by the very policies put forward by the conservatives who voted against unemployment insurance! ...
Interestingly, every single Republican the Blue America candidates are running against voted in opposition to the extension: Michele Bachmann, John Boehner, Calvert, Campbell, and, of course, North Carolina crackpot Virginia Foxx. Ah... yes, crackpot Virginia Foxx... I called Billy Kennedy what the folks in western North Carolina think about Foxx's anti-family antics.
He told me that around 9,300 of her constituents "have lost their jobs due to outsourcing to cheaper labor in China."
"Her reasoning is that the government cannot possibly be expected to help those who are desperate to find jobs because it will add to the deficit.
But Virginia Foxx, the richest House member from North Carolina, doesn't worry about her personal tax cuts breaking the bank. She supports huge tax breaks that are extended to the richest Americans, even if the government has to borrow money to pay for it.
The unemployment benefits extension cost $34 billion. Virginia Foxx opposes it. The tax breaks for the wealthiest 5 percent of Americans cost more than one trillion dollars, all of which is borrowed money. Virginia Foxx supports them.
The big tax break windfall Virginia Foxx supports didn't go to most Americans. It didn't go to Americans who work hard days and long hours. It went to the bankers, big oil executives, crooked Wall Street traders, and... Virginia Foxx.
The way I see it, we just can't afford Virginia Foxx's tax break. And we can't afford Rep. Foxx any more either.
Too few jobs have been created in the past 10 years, and good people looking for jobs can't find them. But why should Virginia Foxx care? She's got hers. And you're paying for it.
I'm calling Virginia Foxx out on this hypocrisy. It's clear that she's out of touch, and it's time she took a peek outside those thick walls of Washington and came home to struggle to make ends meet like the rest of us."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Billy Kennedy to Virginia Foxx: I'm off the Porch
Kennedy Liveblogging Thursday morning at Daily Kos
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Published at DailyKos.com
You all know where Virginia Foxx stands on helping out working families in these tough times, right? She's voted no to any stimulus spending; voted no on modifying bankruptcy laws to help folks avoid mortgage foreclosures; voted no to assisting workers whose jobs were lost due to globalization; voted no on restricting employer interference in union organizing; voted no on a minimum wage increase; and voted no on regulating the subprime mortgage industry. Of course that's just the tip of the iceberg....
Now we can all decide to just roll our eyes when Virginia Foxx gets so fired up about the poor getting a bite of the pie that she proposes an amendment to a homeland-security appropriations bill that says Katrina victims can't use government-issued debit cards to purchase Louis Vuitton handbags or we can decide to get off the porch and actually do something about it.
I've chosen the latter. That's why I'm running hard to beat Virginia Foxx this November. The future of North Carolina's Fifth Congressional district is at stake, but so is the future of all American workers. more...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Published at DailyKos.com
You all know where Virginia Foxx stands on helping out working families in these tough times, right? She's voted no to any stimulus spending; voted no on modifying bankruptcy laws to help folks avoid mortgage foreclosures; voted no to assisting workers whose jobs were lost due to globalization; voted no on restricting employer interference in union organizing; voted no on a minimum wage increase; and voted no on regulating the subprime mortgage industry. Of course that's just the tip of the iceberg....
Now we can all decide to just roll our eyes when Virginia Foxx gets so fired up about the poor getting a bite of the pie that she proposes an amendment to a homeland-security appropriations bill that says Katrina victims can't use government-issued debit cards to purchase Louis Vuitton handbags or we can decide to get off the porch and actually do something about it.
I've chosen the latter. That's why I'm running hard to beat Virginia Foxx this November. The future of North Carolina's Fifth Congressional district is at stake, but so is the future of all American workers. more...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Candidate comes to Green Drinks
Watauga Democrat
Published: July 14, 2010
BOONE -- Congressional candidate Billy Kennedy was on hand at Green Drinks Tuesday evening, emphasizing his campaign's green stance. Kennedy, who is running against longtime incumbent Virginia Foxx, says, if elected, he'll help put legislation in place to make green home upgrades more accessible.
Green Drinks, social networking for Boone's environmentally savvy, happens the second Tuesday of each month. This month's meeting was at Peppers Restaurant, sponsored by Building Performance Engineering. For more, check out our photo album!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Club For Growth — Making Trouble In Michigan, North Carolina... And Across America
DownwithTyranny.blogspot.com
Published: July 6, 2010
Last week, under pressure from the Club for Growth and the Heritage Foundation, Republican members of Congress began signing on to a "discharge petition" which would force immediate action on legislation to completely repeal the recently passed health insurance reform law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010).
The Club for Growth's government affairs director Andy Roth emailed Republican members with an implied threat that support for repeal "will be considered as a key vote on the Club's annual congressional scorecard," one of the "gold standards" in conservative rankings. Representative Virginia Foxx promptly signed the discharge petition last Tuesday.
Congressional candidate Billy Kennedy issued the following statement:
"Once again, our incumbent Congresswoman shows that she is much more interested in satisfying extremist and powerful special interests than she is in helping the hard working people of Western North Carolina. More...
Published: July 6, 2010
Last week, under pressure from the Club for Growth and the Heritage Foundation, Republican members of Congress began signing on to a "discharge petition" which would force immediate action on legislation to completely repeal the recently passed health insurance reform law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010).
The Club for Growth's government affairs director Andy Roth emailed Republican members with an implied threat that support for repeal "will be considered as a key vote on the Club's annual congressional scorecard," one of the "gold standards" in conservative rankings. Representative Virginia Foxx promptly signed the discharge petition last Tuesday.
Congressional candidate Billy Kennedy issued the following statement:
"Once again, our incumbent Congresswoman shows that she is much more interested in satisfying extremist and powerful special interests than she is in helping the hard working people of Western North Carolina. More...
Monday, July 5, 2010
Billy Kennedy Criticizes Rep. Foxx's Call to Repeal Health-Care Reform
VILAS, N.C. - Last week, under pressure from the Club for Growth and the Heritage Foundation, Republican members of Congress began signing on to a "discharge petition" which would force immediate action on legislation to completely repeal the recently passed health insurance reform law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010).
The Club for Growth's government affairs director Andy Roth emailed Republican members with an implied threat that support for repeal "will be considered as a key vote on the Club's annual congressional scorecard," one of the "gold standards" in conservative rankings. Representative Virginia Foxx promptly signed the discharge petition last Tuesday.
Congressional candidate Billy Kennedy issued the following statement:
"Once again, our incumbent Congresswoman shows that she is much more interested in satisfying extremist and powerful special interests than she is in helping the hard working people of Western North Carolina.
"Rep. Foxx has signed on to radical legislation that would immediately repeal every provision in the new health-insurance reform act. A repeal of the bill would return us to the days when insurance companies could refuse to sell insurance policies to people with preexisting conditions. A repeal would mean insurance companies could once again kick people off their health insurance policies when they get sick. A repeal would mean children could no longer stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. A repeal will reopen the Medicare Part D 'Donut Hole,' putting our seniors back into a situation where they can't afford essential medicine.
"There are problems with the health care bill, and I am committed to fixing those problems, but we shouldn't throw the good parts out of the bill just to score political points in an election year.
"I support an optional Medicare buy-in for all Americans at cost. An optional buy-in would not add to the federal deficit, and people could choose to buy a Medicare plan or buy an insurance policy from a private company.
"Repealing the reforms to health-insurance delivery in this country is definitely the wrong direction for the 5th District and for all North Carolinians."
The Club for Growth's government affairs director Andy Roth emailed Republican members with an implied threat that support for repeal "will be considered as a key vote on the Club's annual congressional scorecard," one of the "gold standards" in conservative rankings. Representative Virginia Foxx promptly signed the discharge petition last Tuesday.
Congressional candidate Billy Kennedy issued the following statement:
"Once again, our incumbent Congresswoman shows that she is much more interested in satisfying extremist and powerful special interests than she is in helping the hard working people of Western North Carolina.
"Rep. Foxx has signed on to radical legislation that would immediately repeal every provision in the new health-insurance reform act. A repeal of the bill would return us to the days when insurance companies could refuse to sell insurance policies to people with preexisting conditions. A repeal would mean insurance companies could once again kick people off their health insurance policies when they get sick. A repeal would mean children could no longer stay on their parents' insurance until age 26. A repeal will reopen the Medicare Part D 'Donut Hole,' putting our seniors back into a situation where they can't afford essential medicine.
"There are problems with the health care bill, and I am committed to fixing those problems, but we shouldn't throw the good parts out of the bill just to score political points in an election year.
"I support an optional Medicare buy-in for all Americans at cost. An optional buy-in would not add to the federal deficit, and people could choose to buy a Medicare plan or buy an insurance policy from a private company.
"Repealing the reforms to health-insurance delivery in this country is definitely the wrong direction for the 5th District and for all North Carolinians."
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Help us win the DFA Grassroots All-Star Endorsement
The Kennedy campaign has been hard at work this weekend at events all over the district. We hope you are enjoying a great holiday with your family and friends.
We just got some exciting news, and we need your help right now!
Democracy for America has just announced the voting process for their Grassroots All-Star endorsement, and Billy is in the running.
Please take a minute to vote for Billy, and help us win this important endorsement.
Click on this link to cast your vote, and help make Billy Kennedy one of DFA's Grassroots All Stars. Once you are at the page for voting, filter the candidates by candidate name, and choose Billy Kennedy.
According to an email just released by DFA Political Director, Charles Chamberlain, the All-Star endorsement brings at least $25,000 and over 2,500 volunteer hours in support of the winning candidate. But not just any candidate can earn it.
DFA is looking for the right non-incumbent progressive challenger for the U.S. House of Representatives with the most broad-based support from our members nationwide. Let's show them what Western North Carolina progressives can do.
Vote for Billy Kennedy today!
Happy Independence Day!
We just got some exciting news, and we need your help right now!
Democracy for America has just announced the voting process for their Grassroots All-Star endorsement, and Billy is in the running.
Please take a minute to vote for Billy, and help us win this important endorsement.
Click on this link to cast your vote, and help make Billy Kennedy one of DFA's Grassroots All Stars. Once you are at the page for voting, filter the candidates by candidate name, and choose Billy Kennedy.
According to an email just released by DFA Political Director, Charles Chamberlain, the All-Star endorsement brings at least $25,000 and over 2,500 volunteer hours in support of the winning candidate. But not just any candidate can earn it.
DFA is looking for the right non-incumbent progressive challenger for the U.S. House of Representatives with the most broad-based support from our members nationwide. Let's show them what Western North Carolina progressives can do.
Vote for Billy Kennedy today!
Happy Independence Day!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Kennedy Announces Critter Contest Finalists; Calls on Foxx to Co-sponsor Animal Cruelty Bill
VILAS, NC - The Billy Kennedy for Congress campaign today released its Top 10 finalists for the Critters for Kennedy photo contest. Voting begins at noon today on Kennedy's website and ends at 11:59 pm Thursday.
Anyone may vote for the winner. The supporter submitting the winning photo will receive a special Billy Kennedy for Congress prize pack.
"We've had a lot of fun with this contest, and it has generated a lot of excitement for our campaign," Kennedy said. "It also brought attention to a very serious issue."
One of Kennedy's supporters brought in a copy of HR 5092, a bill in the House which would ban the sale of animal "crush" videos. These horrific videos show shocking scenes of women in high heels crushing small animals to death with their feet for the sexual gratification of viewers.
More than 330 members of the House have signed on as co-sponsors to this legislation since it was introduced on April 21, but our incumbent Rep. Virginia Foxx isn't one of them.
In April, the United State Supreme Court struck down a 1999 federal law known as the Crush Act which banned the sale of crush videos, saying that the legislation was too broad and infringed on free speech rights. HR 5092, introduced after the ruling, amends the Crush Act to add certain protections for hunters and sportsmen.
Opponents of the original Crush Act argued that the legislation put hunters at risk of federal prosecution for the production and sale of videos involving hunting, fishing, trapping and other legal sports activities.
Hunters and other sportsmen are in support of the amendment, including the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, crediting the bill's author for tackling animal cruelty while preserving hunter's rights.
"No one supports malicious cruelty to animals of the sort depicted in these 'crush videos,' but we also want to be sure that legal activities like hunting are not blackballed by a law that is too vague," said Bill Horn, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance director of federal affairs. "We are glad that HR 5092 addresses legitimate animal cruelty issues without penalizing honest sportsmen."
Kennedy issued a challenge to incumbent Congresswoman Foxx to throw her support behind the bill.
"The critter contest started out as a fun way to get people involved in the political process," Kennedy said. "This bill both protects hunters and criminalizes this despicable animal cruelty."
Anyone may vote for the winner. The supporter submitting the winning photo will receive a special Billy Kennedy for Congress prize pack.
"We've had a lot of fun with this contest, and it has generated a lot of excitement for our campaign," Kennedy said. "It also brought attention to a very serious issue."
One of Kennedy's supporters brought in a copy of HR 5092, a bill in the House which would ban the sale of animal "crush" videos. These horrific videos show shocking scenes of women in high heels crushing small animals to death with their feet for the sexual gratification of viewers.
More than 330 members of the House have signed on as co-sponsors to this legislation since it was introduced on April 21, but our incumbent Rep. Virginia Foxx isn't one of them.
In April, the United State Supreme Court struck down a 1999 federal law known as the Crush Act which banned the sale of crush videos, saying that the legislation was too broad and infringed on free speech rights. HR 5092, introduced after the ruling, amends the Crush Act to add certain protections for hunters and sportsmen.
Opponents of the original Crush Act argued that the legislation put hunters at risk of federal prosecution for the production and sale of videos involving hunting, fishing, trapping and other legal sports activities.
Hunters and other sportsmen are in support of the amendment, including the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, crediting the bill's author for tackling animal cruelty while preserving hunter's rights.
"No one supports malicious cruelty to animals of the sort depicted in these 'crush videos,' but we also want to be sure that legal activities like hunting are not blackballed by a law that is too vague," said Bill Horn, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance director of federal affairs. "We are glad that HR 5092 addresses legitimate animal cruelty issues without penalizing honest sportsmen."
Kennedy issued a challenge to incumbent Congresswoman Foxx to throw her support behind the bill.
"The critter contest started out as a fun way to get people involved in the political process," Kennedy said. "This bill both protects hunters and criminalizes this despicable animal cruelty."
Sunday, June 27, 2010
New Brief: Virginia Foxx And Billy Kennedy Have Exactly Opposite Views On Corporate Dominance Of Election Finance
From: downwithtyranny.blogspot.com
Published: June 26, 2010
Yesterday we talked a little about the blatant way conservatives thumbed their noses at voters in regard to campaign finance. They just flat-out refuse to go along with even the most modest reforms. One of the most reform-minded Democratic candidates running for Congress this year, North Carolina farmer and carpenter Billy Kennedy, is vying for a seat currently held by one of Congress' most arrogant and stubborn relics of mindless corruption, Virginia Foxx. Needless to say, she voted against the DISCLOSE Act. Like many of the self-serving corporate shills on both sides of the aisle-- remember, Blue Dogs were as opposed to reform as Republicans-- Foxx was shrieking that reforming the system is "unconstitutional." I asked Billy for a guest post on how he sees it and why he differs so fiercely with such a "constitutional scholar" like Foxx.
"The case of Citizens United v FEC was heard by the Supreme Court back in January. When all was said and done, the Court ended up changing the law so that corporations can now spend as much as they like on political campaigns without even identifying themselves. That’s right-- average working people get the short end of the stick. Again.
So the US House has now just passed the “Disclose Act,” a law which will at least require that these corporations tell us who they are when they put their fancy, high-dollar commercials on TV that attack anyone who would dare come up against them. The “Disclose Act” could most certainly be better than it is. If we didn’t have so many politicians in Washington beholden to corporate interests, we’d surely have gotten a better bill in the end, but the bill is at least a start.
Even so, I wasn’t surprised to hear Rep. Virginia Foxx rail against the “Disclose Act” on WPTF radio Thursday. more...
Published: June 26, 2010
Yesterday we talked a little about the blatant way conservatives thumbed their noses at voters in regard to campaign finance. They just flat-out refuse to go along with even the most modest reforms. One of the most reform-minded Democratic candidates running for Congress this year, North Carolina farmer and carpenter Billy Kennedy, is vying for a seat currently held by one of Congress' most arrogant and stubborn relics of mindless corruption, Virginia Foxx. Needless to say, she voted against the DISCLOSE Act. Like many of the self-serving corporate shills on both sides of the aisle-- remember, Blue Dogs were as opposed to reform as Republicans-- Foxx was shrieking that reforming the system is "unconstitutional." I asked Billy for a guest post on how he sees it and why he differs so fiercely with such a "constitutional scholar" like Foxx.
"The case of Citizens United v FEC was heard by the Supreme Court back in January. When all was said and done, the Court ended up changing the law so that corporations can now spend as much as they like on political campaigns without even identifying themselves. That’s right-- average working people get the short end of the stick. Again.
So the US House has now just passed the “Disclose Act,” a law which will at least require that these corporations tell us who they are when they put their fancy, high-dollar commercials on TV that attack anyone who would dare come up against them. The “Disclose Act” could most certainly be better than it is. If we didn’t have so many politicians in Washington beholden to corporate interests, we’d surely have gotten a better bill in the end, but the bill is at least a start.
Even so, I wasn’t surprised to hear Rep. Virginia Foxx rail against the “Disclose Act” on WPTF radio Thursday. more...
Friday, June 18, 2010
A Day of Oily Apologies
From DownWithTyranny.blogspot.com
Published: June 17, 2010
Environmentally-conscious and energy-conscious Democrats had already been talking to the voters about how their approach drastically differs from the Republican approach. On Wednesday Billy Kennedy, the Blue America-endorsed candidate challenging reactionary corporate shill Virginia Foxx in western North Carolina came out swinging with a claim that Foxx shares the blame for the B.P. disaster. He hit all the relevant points that Americans should be assessing around this national catastrophe: more...
Published: June 17, 2010
Environmentally-conscious and energy-conscious Democrats had already been talking to the voters about how their approach drastically differs from the Republican approach. On Wednesday Billy Kennedy, the Blue America-endorsed candidate challenging reactionary corporate shill Virginia Foxx in western North Carolina came out swinging with a claim that Foxx shares the blame for the B.P. disaster. He hit all the relevant points that Americans should be assessing around this national catastrophe: more...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Billy Kennedy: "Virginia Foxx and Republicans in Congress Share Blame with BP in Disaster"
BETHEL, N.C. - Billy Kennedy, candidate for Congress from western North Carolina, issued the following statement after President Obama's Oval Office Address on the Gulf Oil Disaster:
"Last week in her town hall phone-in, Rep. Virginia Foxx said she didn't understand why President Obama didn't immediately send 'big ships' to the Gulf to sop up all the oil."
"The fact is there are 8,100 vessels responding to the Gulf oil disaster. The Congresswoman's understanding of this spill is simplistic, and her suggested solution is naïve."
"Livelihoods are lost, and a national treasure faces devastation. A government panel of scientists has now determined that the well is leaking as much as 2.52 million gallons a day. The oil continues to threaten not only Gulf shores but North Carolina shores and our way of life as well. The clean-up and recovery will take the commitment of generations and billions of dollars."
"Last week in her town hall phone-in, Rep. Virginia Foxx said she didn't understand why President Obama didn't immediately send 'big ships' to the Gulf to sop up all the oil."
"The fact is there are 8,100 vessels responding to the Gulf oil disaster. The Congresswoman's understanding of this spill is simplistic, and her suggested solution is naïve."
"Livelihoods are lost, and a national treasure faces devastation. A government panel of scientists has now determined that the well is leaking as much as 2.52 million gallons a day. The oil continues to threaten not only Gulf shores but North Carolina shores and our way of life as well. The clean-up and recovery will take the commitment of generations and billions of dollars."
"As more internal BP documents have become public, it is now crystal clear that BP made risky decisions leading to the April 20 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and the spilling of tens of millions of gallons of crude oil over the lives and livelihood of Gulf Coast citizens."
"The bottom line is that BP engineers chose a faster, less safe design to save money, and Congress let them get away with it. The cheaper design saved BP $7 million to $10 million. As a result, we now have 11 lost lives and 35,000 to 60,000 barrels of oil spilling into the Gulf each day all because a corporation cared more about profits than people and because politicians in Washington didn't have the courage to stand up for the people."
"The U.S. has some of the most relaxed regulations in the world on deep-water off-shore drilling. The AP reports that Canada requires energy companies to have plans for relief wells in place before drilling is approved. This is not the case in the U.S. The five largest oil companies raked in $289 billion in profits over the past three years but spent just $60 million on safety research and development, accident prevention and oil spill response planning over the same period."
"Currently, oil companies are only responsible for $75 million in damages resulting from a spill. Congress must eliminate that cap immediately."
"Campaign finance reports show that the top 16 recipients of oil and gas industry money are Republicans. Incumbent Virginia Foxx has accepted more than $52,000 in contributions from the oil and gas lobby since she went to Washington. She and her Republican cohorts have received $11.6 million since 1990."
"BP must pay any and all damages. This disaster has taken away the ability of thousands of Gulf Coast citizens to make a living, and we must get BP out of the claims process. We must make sure that fishermen, hotel owners, restaurateurs and others have a fast, efficient, and transparent claims process to regain their livelihoods.
"But even in the wake of this national disaster, there is hope and possibility. The American people have stood strong in the face of serious challenges before, and we can do it again."
"It has now become a matter of national security that we explore our options for cleaner energy that will not only protect our environment but that will bring much needed, good-paying jobs to our communities as well."
"If we commit ourselves to a goal of energy independence, we will ensure a better life for our children and for their children as well. We owe them, and ourselves, nothing less. We have an opportunity at hand. We have the technology to use clean and renewable energies. We just have to find in ourselves the commitment to make it happen. I have faith we can if we elect leaders in Congress who will stand up to lobbyists and corporations."
"The bottom line is that BP engineers chose a faster, less safe design to save money, and Congress let them get away with it. The cheaper design saved BP $7 million to $10 million. As a result, we now have 11 lost lives and 35,000 to 60,000 barrels of oil spilling into the Gulf each day all because a corporation cared more about profits than people and because politicians in Washington didn't have the courage to stand up for the people."
"The U.S. has some of the most relaxed regulations in the world on deep-water off-shore drilling. The AP reports that Canada requires energy companies to have plans for relief wells in place before drilling is approved. This is not the case in the U.S. The five largest oil companies raked in $289 billion in profits over the past three years but spent just $60 million on safety research and development, accident prevention and oil spill response planning over the same period."
"Currently, oil companies are only responsible for $75 million in damages resulting from a spill. Congress must eliminate that cap immediately."
"Campaign finance reports show that the top 16 recipients of oil and gas industry money are Republicans. Incumbent Virginia Foxx has accepted more than $52,000 in contributions from the oil and gas lobby since she went to Washington. She and her Republican cohorts have received $11.6 million since 1990."
"BP must pay any and all damages. This disaster has taken away the ability of thousands of Gulf Coast citizens to make a living, and we must get BP out of the claims process. We must make sure that fishermen, hotel owners, restaurateurs and others have a fast, efficient, and transparent claims process to regain their livelihoods.
"But even in the wake of this national disaster, there is hope and possibility. The American people have stood strong in the face of serious challenges before, and we can do it again."
"It has now become a matter of national security that we explore our options for cleaner energy that will not only protect our environment but that will bring much needed, good-paying jobs to our communities as well."
"If we commit ourselves to a goal of energy independence, we will ensure a better life for our children and for their children as well. We owe them, and ourselves, nothing less. We have an opportunity at hand. We have the technology to use clean and renewable energies. We just have to find in ourselves the commitment to make it happen. I have faith we can if we elect leaders in Congress who will stand up to lobbyists and corporations."
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Billy Kennedy Weighs In on Foxx's Call-In Featured on Keith Olbermann
BETHEL, NC (June 10, 2010) -- When Keith Olbermann showcased Rep. Virginia Foxx in his "Worst Person in the World" segment on his Wednesday night program, he wasn't the only one taking notice of Foxx's phone-in town hall meeting, an event sponsored by a partisan political organization.
On Thursday Billy Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for Congress in North Carolina's 5th district, weighed in as well. "I thought the caller Mary was right on," said Kennedy. "She said she felt politicians were making a career and a killing off their Washington careers and that 'They should go up there to serve and then go back to their regular jobs.'"
"Virginia Foxx has had her chance to make things better for the people of the 5th district, and she has failed," continued Kennedy. "While she has used her Washington connections to pad her campaign coffers and her personal fortunes, the people back home get nothing but meaningless sound bites from her. We still have no jobs and few prospects. It's time to replace the professional politicians in Washington with real working people who understand and will pay attention to the needs of their constituents instead of using the public trust for personal gain."
Foxx is seeking a fourth term in the House of Representatives. "The people of North Carolina's fifth district really have a very simple choice to make this November. They can re-elect an incumbent professional politician who has done nothing whatsoever for them or they can send a regular working man to Washington who'll spend his time doing everything in his power to bring good-paying jobs back to our communities."
Some of the callers expressed their frustrations with federal immigration policy. Foxx agreed with those frustrations, but offered no solutions. "I'm as frustrated as anyone with Washington's apparent unwillingness to tackle this issue. But Rep. Foxx is as guilty as the rest of them up there in Washington for stoking the issue but doing nothing at all to address it," said Kennedy.
"As an independent contractor, I am well aware of how it feels to have to compete against cheap labor. More than once, I have come out on the short end of that stick." Kennedy continued, "We must find a way to hold employers fully accountable for hiring illegal workers, and we must strictly enforce the current immigration laws."
Kennedy says Foxx is using this issue to fuel fears and turn workers against each other while her votes indicate she's clearly on the side of those looking to make money by paying low wages to illegal immigrants. "Foxx has repeatedly sponsored bills to make it easier for employers to hire illegal laborers, including voting against funding a program to deny driver's licenses to illegal aliens," said Kennedy. "She's all talk and no action."
"Let's face it. Employers who break the law by hiring illegal workers are taking advantage of a broken system. These practices hurt all working people. As long as we, the working people of Western North Carolina, don't address the issue of low wages and too few jobs, we are just bickering about the issue instead of finding solutions to solve it."
On Thursday Billy Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for Congress in North Carolina's 5th district, weighed in as well. "I thought the caller Mary was right on," said Kennedy. "She said she felt politicians were making a career and a killing off their Washington careers and that 'They should go up there to serve and then go back to their regular jobs.'"
"Virginia Foxx has had her chance to make things better for the people of the 5th district, and she has failed," continued Kennedy. "While she has used her Washington connections to pad her campaign coffers and her personal fortunes, the people back home get nothing but meaningless sound bites from her. We still have no jobs and few prospects. It's time to replace the professional politicians in Washington with real working people who understand and will pay attention to the needs of their constituents instead of using the public trust for personal gain."
Foxx is seeking a fourth term in the House of Representatives. "The people of North Carolina's fifth district really have a very simple choice to make this November. They can re-elect an incumbent professional politician who has done nothing whatsoever for them or they can send a regular working man to Washington who'll spend his time doing everything in his power to bring good-paying jobs back to our communities."
Some of the callers expressed their frustrations with federal immigration policy. Foxx agreed with those frustrations, but offered no solutions. "I'm as frustrated as anyone with Washington's apparent unwillingness to tackle this issue. But Rep. Foxx is as guilty as the rest of them up there in Washington for stoking the issue but doing nothing at all to address it," said Kennedy.
"As an independent contractor, I am well aware of how it feels to have to compete against cheap labor. More than once, I have come out on the short end of that stick." Kennedy continued, "We must find a way to hold employers fully accountable for hiring illegal workers, and we must strictly enforce the current immigration laws."
Kennedy says Foxx is using this issue to fuel fears and turn workers against each other while her votes indicate she's clearly on the side of those looking to make money by paying low wages to illegal immigrants. "Foxx has repeatedly sponsored bills to make it easier for employers to hire illegal laborers, including voting against funding a program to deny driver's licenses to illegal aliens," said Kennedy. "She's all talk and no action."
"Let's face it. Employers who break the law by hiring illegal workers are taking advantage of a broken system. These practices hurt all working people. As long as we, the working people of Western North Carolina, don't address the issue of low wages and too few jobs, we are just bickering about the issue instead of finding solutions to solve it."
Kennedy Campaign Announces 'Critters for Kennedy' Contest
BETHEL, NC -- Billy Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for Congress in North Carolina's 5th district, has announced a "Critters for Kennedy" online contest.
The "Critters for Kennedy" photo contest is an opportunity to showcase your pets in the act of announcing their support for Billy Kennedy for Congress.
The contest started today at 10:30 am. Entering is easy. Visit the "Critters for Kennedy" web page.
Upon completing the registration form, each entrant will receive an email with a link and instructions for how to submit their photo.
Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, June 16th. The top 10 entrants will be posted on our website and voting follows for the best entry.
The winning picture gets a Kennedy for Congress Campaign Prize Pack, and will be featured on the campaign's website.
The "Critters for Kennedy" photo contest is an opportunity to showcase your pets in the act of announcing their support for Billy Kennedy for Congress.
The contest started today at 10:30 am. Entering is easy. Visit the "Critters for Kennedy" web page.
Upon completing the registration form, each entrant will receive an email with a link and instructions for how to submit their photo.
Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, June 16th. The top 10 entrants will be posted on our website and voting follows for the best entry.
The winning picture gets a Kennedy for Congress Campaign Prize Pack, and will be featured on the campaign's website.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Billy Kennedy, the Gentleman Farmer
YES! Weekly
By: Keith Barber
Published: May 19, 2010
If you close your eyes, Billy Kennedy could easily be confused with Jefferson Smith, the character played by Jimmy Stewart in Frank Capra’s 1939 classic film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
By: Keith Barber
Published: May 19, 2010
If you close your eyes, Billy Kennedy could easily be confused with Jefferson Smith, the character played by Jimmy Stewart in Frank Capra’s 1939 classic film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
In the movie, the nave and idealistic Smith is appointed to the US Senate by a governor that kowtows to the state’s top political boss. Smith runs into political corruption when he tries to advance a bill to create a national boys camp, and becomes discouraged. One of the most famous scenes in the film portrays Smith’s marathon filibuster on the Senate floor. Jimmy Stewart’s performance is the stuff of Hollywood legend, but his profound words are what stay with us forever.
Kennedy, the Democratic candidate for the US House District 5 seat, spoke with the same kind of idealism and conviction as Jefferson Smith during his address to the 5th Congressional District Democratic Party Annual Convention in Statesville on May 15. Kennedy talked about his personal philosophy and ethos, one that he learned from his parents — an ethos based on the Golden Rule. He spoke of his love of farming, building houses and crafting furniture. He said his daily life connects him to the land, which has led him to become an environmentalist. Kennedy talked about his desire to leave his farm to his children someday, and to leave it better than he found it. more...
Billy Kennedy Goes to DC
News Brief: Kennedy brings down-home message to Democratic Party activists
YES! Weekly
By: Keith Barber
Published: May 19, 2010
As Billy Kennedy hit the 15-minute mark of his speech during the 5th Congressional District Democratic Party Annual Convention at Mitchell Community College in Statesville on May 15, he began to wrap it up by making his plea to the party delegates in attendance.
“I’m reaching out to y’all,” said Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for the US House seat currently held by Republican Virginia Foxx. “Fifty-five percent of the voters in the district are women. I’m challenging all you women to bring these men back to their senses.”
Kennedy’s remark was received by a smattering of laughter from the roughly 75 people in the audience, but the candidate didn’t take a breath. He forged ahead.
“This is not something I’m doing for me — that’s what I remembered early on,” he continued. “I’m doing this for y’all because you’re the people of the 5th District. That’s who representatives are supposed to serve — the people, not themselves.” more ...
By: Keith Barber
Published: May 19, 2010
As Billy Kennedy hit the 15-minute mark of his speech during the 5th Congressional District Democratic Party Annual Convention at Mitchell Community College in Statesville on May 15, he began to wrap it up by making his plea to the party delegates in attendance.
“I’m reaching out to y’all,” said Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for the US House seat currently held by Republican Virginia Foxx. “Fifty-five percent of the voters in the district are women. I’m challenging all you women to bring these men back to their senses.”
Kennedy’s remark was received by a smattering of laughter from the roughly 75 people in the audience, but the candidate didn’t take a breath. He forged ahead.
“This is not something I’m doing for me — that’s what I remembered early on,” he continued. “I’m doing this for y’all because you’re the people of the 5th District. That’s who representatives are supposed to serve — the people, not themselves.” more ...
Monday, May 17, 2010
News Brief: Foxx challenger addresses Dems
Foxx challenger addresses Dems
Statesville Record & Landmark
May 16, 2010
By Jim McNally
With its current configuration, the terms "Democratic Convention" and "5th Congressional District" may seem incongruent.
Only 44 districts in the nation — out of 435 — were more supportive of Republican presidential candidates in the last two elections than North Carolina's 5th District.
And the seat's current occupant, Virginia Foxx, has captured 58.3 percent of the votes cast in the last three elections against three different Democrats.
Those less-than-encouraging facts notwithstanding, the 5th District Democrats held their convention Saturday in the auditorium of Mitchell Community College's Continuing Education Center in Statesville.
Watauga County farmer, carpenter and radio personality Billy Kennedy will be facing Foxx in this fall's general election and was the keynote speaker at Saturday's convention.
Kennedy said Foxx can be counted among other Republican politicians who, he said, are largely responsible for the economic crisis that has dominated the news for the past two and a half years and then have come to blame the Democrats for their efforts to try to bring an end to it.
Quoting an unnamed source, Kennedy said, "They ran our economy into a ditch and then complained about the size of the two trucks we're using to get it out."
Kennedy spoke about the need for those who are able to help others who are less fortunate.
"There is a value in taking care of others," he said.
He also said there are a number of benefits — including living longer and healthier lives — in societies that tend to treat their members with equality.
"But my opponent, unfortunately, still likes to use divisiveness to try to get re-elected," Kennedy added.
Read full article here.
Statesville Record & Landmark
May 16, 2010
By Jim McNally
With its current configuration, the terms "Democratic Convention" and "5th Congressional District" may seem incongruent.
Only 44 districts in the nation — out of 435 — were more supportive of Republican presidential candidates in the last two elections than North Carolina's 5th District.
And the seat's current occupant, Virginia Foxx, has captured 58.3 percent of the votes cast in the last three elections against three different Democrats.
Those less-than-encouraging facts notwithstanding, the 5th District Democrats held their convention Saturday in the auditorium of Mitchell Community College's Continuing Education Center in Statesville.
Watauga County farmer, carpenter and radio personality Billy Kennedy will be facing Foxx in this fall's general election and was the keynote speaker at Saturday's convention.
Kennedy said Foxx can be counted among other Republican politicians who, he said, are largely responsible for the economic crisis that has dominated the news for the past two and a half years and then have come to blame the Democrats for their efforts to try to bring an end to it.
Quoting an unnamed source, Kennedy said, "They ran our economy into a ditch and then complained about the size of the two trucks we're using to get it out."
Kennedy spoke about the need for those who are able to help others who are less fortunate.
"There is a value in taking care of others," he said.
He also said there are a number of benefits — including living longer and healthier lives — in societies that tend to treat their members with equality.
"But my opponent, unfortunately, still likes to use divisiveness to try to get re-elected," Kennedy added.
Read full article here.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Billy Kennedy Will Keynote the 5th District Democratic Convention
BETHEL, NC - "Western North Carolina Democrats cannot afford to be complacent or defeatist," said Congressional candidate Billy Kennedy, "not when the most regressive forces in the Republican Party are intent on grabbing power and taking our society back to the same failed economic and social policies they used to drive our country into the ditch. Now all they do is complain about how big a tow-truck is needed to pull us out."
That's the message that Billy Kennedy will take to the 5th District Democratic Convention on Saturday, May 15, at Mitchell Community College (Continuing Education Auditorium, 701 West Front Street in Statesville). The Convention will convene at 11 a.m. following registration and a social hour beginning at 10 a.m.
"Virginia Foxx will be beaten," Kennedy declared, "when Democrats are united in their belief that they represent enlightenment and optimism for the future. All the Republicans offer is a loud 'NO!' to every positive program put forward for working people."
Registered Democrats in the 12 counties of the 5th Congressional District do not have to be officially designated as delegates to attend the convention.
"We need a strong showing of stalwart and enthusiastic Democrats at our annual Convention," said Kennedy. "We can win, but we can't win sitting on our hands, or wringing them either."
Any questions regarding the Convention should be directed to 5th District Secretary Miranda Burgin at mirandaburgin@gmail.com.
That's the message that Billy Kennedy will take to the 5th District Democratic Convention on Saturday, May 15, at Mitchell Community College (Continuing Education Auditorium, 701 West Front Street in Statesville). The Convention will convene at 11 a.m. following registration and a social hour beginning at 10 a.m.
"Virginia Foxx will be beaten," Kennedy declared, "when Democrats are united in their belief that they represent enlightenment and optimism for the future. All the Republicans offer is a loud 'NO!' to every positive program put forward for working people."
Registered Democrats in the 12 counties of the 5th Congressional District do not have to be officially designated as delegates to attend the convention.
"We need a strong showing of stalwart and enthusiastic Democrats at our annual Convention," said Kennedy. "We can win, but we can't win sitting on our hands, or wringing them either."
Any questions regarding the Convention should be directed to 5th District Secretary Miranda Burgin at mirandaburgin@gmail.com.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Billy Kennedy Looks Forward to Spirited Campaign With Virginia Foxx
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: LAINEY EDMISTEN, CAMPAIGN MANAGER, C.910.616.9729, HQ.828.262.4940, lainey@billykennedy.com
MAY 5, 2010
....................................
Billy Kennedy Looks Forward to Spirited Campaign With Virginia Foxx
BETHEL, NC - I look forward to a spirited campaign this Fall against incumbent Representative Virginia Foxx for a seat in the US House of Representatives.
One in five Republicans in the 5th North Carolina district are unhappy with her representation in Washington. That's because during Ms. Foxx's 8 years in Washington, the people in our district know that they have nothing to show for her representation other than continued hard times. While Ms. Foxx continues to count on us to believe her promises to create jobs and reduce government spending, during her 8 years in Washington, she has done neither.
I can do better for the working people of the 5th district, and I will.
CONTACT: LAINEY EDMISTEN, CAMPAIGN MANAGER, C.910.616.9729, HQ.828.262.4940, lainey@billykennedy.com
MAY 5, 2010
....................................
Billy Kennedy Looks Forward to Spirited Campaign With Virginia Foxx
BETHEL, NC - I look forward to a spirited campaign this Fall against incumbent Representative Virginia Foxx for a seat in the US House of Representatives.
One in five Republicans in the 5th North Carolina district are unhappy with her representation in Washington. That's because during Ms. Foxx's 8 years in Washington, the people in our district know that they have nothing to show for her representation other than continued hard times. While Ms. Foxx continues to count on us to believe her promises to create jobs and reduce government spending, during her 8 years in Washington, she has done neither.
I can do better for the working people of the 5th district, and I will.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
News Brief: Democratic hopefuls speak at Iredell convention
From the Statesville Record & Landmark
By Jim McNally
Published April 11, 2010
Billy Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for the 5th U.S. Congressional District seat, said he sees the backlash against Democrats now as part of a cycle.
"The Democrats make all the positive steps," he said. "Then we let the Republicans back in and they take us back some of those steps. Then we have to get in and clean their messes back up again."
Without mentioning the name of the person he will most likely be running against in November — incumbent Rep. Virginia Foxx — Kennedy said, "My opponent is not only an embarrassment to North Carolina, but to the whole nation."
For comments like that, Kennedy received the only standing ovation of the day.
Read full article here.
By Jim McNally
Published April 11, 2010
Billy Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for the 5th U.S. Congressional District seat, said he sees the backlash against Democrats now as part of a cycle.
"The Democrats make all the positive steps," he said. "Then we let the Republicans back in and they take us back some of those steps. Then we have to get in and clean their messes back up again."
Without mentioning the name of the person he will most likely be running against in November — incumbent Rep. Virginia Foxx — Kennedy said, "My opponent is not only an embarrassment to North Carolina, but to the whole nation."
For comments like that, Kennedy received the only standing ovation of the day.
Read full article here.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
News Brief: It could be the Republicans and not the Democrats who lose big time because of their health care stance
From EmmaBerry.org
Published March 20, 2010
The tables could turn against Republicans who don’t support health care reform. Ironic, since the Republicans have been yammering about how health care will cost the Democrats.
For certain it will be the Republicans from poor areas who don’t endorse the health care bill who will suffer the most.
Yep that’s how it’s shaping up. Many of the Republicans who long touted that the Democrats will lose the House and the Senate if they vote for health care reform look like they could lose out in November if they vote against the health care bill.
Virginia Foxx, a Republican Congresswoman from the 5th Congressional District of North Carolina might be among the Republican casualties in November.
12,000 people with preexisting conditions could get insurance; 119,000 Medicare beneficiaries would have the doughnut hole closed in their prescription coverage; 800 families would be kept from going bankrupt from medical costs; and more than 14,000 small businesses would be subsidized to provide health insurance to their employees.
Read the full post here.
Published March 20, 2010
The tables could turn against Republicans who don’t support health care reform. Ironic, since the Republicans have been yammering about how health care will cost the Democrats.
For certain it will be the Republicans from poor areas who don’t endorse the health care bill who will suffer the most.
Yep that’s how it’s shaping up. Many of the Republicans who long touted that the Democrats will lose the House and the Senate if they vote for health care reform look like they could lose out in November if they vote against the health care bill.
Virginia Foxx, a Republican Congresswoman from the 5th Congressional District of North Carolina might be among the Republican casualties in November.
12,000 people with preexisting conditions could get insurance; 119,000 Medicare beneficiaries would have the doughnut hole closed in their prescription coverage; 800 families would be kept from going bankrupt from medical costs; and more than 14,000 small businesses would be subsidized to provide health insurance to their employees.
Read the full post here.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Live Blog: Kennedy fields questions at DailyKos.com
My name is Billy Kennedy, and I am running against incumbent Republican Virginia Foxx for US Congress, North Carolina, District 5. I am here today to answer your questions and to hear your ideas and concerns. I can stay for around 45 minutes, and will come back later to answer questions I can't get to within that time frame.
Read the full live blog transcript here.
Read the full live blog transcript here.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
News Briefs: Democrats trumpet efforts during annual Carter-Kennedy celebration
From the Statesville Record & Landmark
By Jim McNally
Published March 27, 2010
This year, Watauga County cabinetmaker and radio personality Billy Kennedy is taking on [Virginia] Foxx.
Kennedy followed up with what Hamby said about the party's advances in social matters.
"All the progress we've made in this country is because Democrats have always looked ahead and not backwards," Kennedy said.
He said the recently-passed health care legislation was an example of that progress.
"Getting that bill through has gone a long way toward making health care in this country a right and not a privilege," Kennedy said.
Read the full article here.
By Jim McNally
Published March 27, 2010
This year, Watauga County cabinetmaker and radio personality Billy Kennedy is taking on [Virginia] Foxx.
Kennedy followed up with what Hamby said about the party's advances in social matters.
"All the progress we've made in this country is because Democrats have always looked ahead and not backwards," Kennedy said.
He said the recently-passed health care legislation was an example of that progress.
"Getting that bill through has gone a long way toward making health care in this country a right and not a privilege," Kennedy said.
Read the full article here.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Letter: The Price of Doing Nothing
From the Stokes County News
By Larry Roth
Published March 26, 2010
Billy Kennedy, running against Virginia Foxx in the November election, knows that Stokes County children are the future of our communities. He will fight for every federal dollar we can get to prevent our best teachers from leaving for nearby school districts with bigger tax bases. He wants to keep class size reasonable and provide top-notch technology in first-class buildings.To protect our schools and educate our children, we in the Fifth District need to elect Billy Kennedy to Congress.
Read the full letter here.
By Larry Roth
Published March 26, 2010
Billy Kennedy, running against Virginia Foxx in the November election, knows that Stokes County children are the future of our communities. He will fight for every federal dollar we can get to prevent our best teachers from leaving for nearby school districts with bigger tax bases. He wants to keep class size reasonable and provide top-notch technology in first-class buildings.To protect our schools and educate our children, we in the Fifth District need to elect Billy Kennedy to Congress.
Read the full letter here.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
News Brief: New law sparks spirited reaction from candidates
From the Statesville Record & Landmark
By Jim McNally
Published March 24, 2010
Foxx's Democratic opponent Billy Kennedy said Foxx should leave well enough alone.
"I'm disappointed Rep. Foxx has announced she will back attempts to repeal the new health care reform bill, but this is nothing new," Kennedy said in an e-mail. "Every major piece of legislation that's ever been passed in America (including Medicare and Social Security) has brought on lawsuits by those whose special interests are on the line."
Kennedy pondered what would happen if Foxx and the other of the new law's opponents are successful in beating it back.
Read the full article here.
By Jim McNally
Published March 24, 2010
Foxx's Democratic opponent Billy Kennedy said Foxx should leave well enough alone.
"I'm disappointed Rep. Foxx has announced she will back attempts to repeal the new health care reform bill, but this is nothing new," Kennedy said in an e-mail. "Every major piece of legislation that's ever been passed in America (including Medicare and Social Security) has brought on lawsuits by those whose special interests are on the line."
Kennedy pondered what would happen if Foxx and the other of the new law's opponents are successful in beating it back.
Read the full article here.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
News Brief: Republicans voting 'no' on health care reform at their own peril
From HuffingtonPost.com
Published March 19, 2010
Republican challengers may see a Democratic vote for health care reform as a genuine opportunity to unseat an incumbent, but Republicans could find themselves voting no at their own peril.
While much has been made of the downside of supporting the bill, little has been said about the risks of opposing the most sweeping health care reform in decades -- after all, there are millions of voters who are either uninsured, have preexisting conditions or otherwise will benefit from provisions in the bill.
Billy Kennedy, the Democrat opposing Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), is one of the first to take advantage of a GOP no vote on health care.
"Virginia Foxx is betraying her constituents as she prepares to vote 'no' on the health care reform bill," Kennedy said in a statement. "It will be devastating for Northwestern North Carolina's working families if reform is not passed."
Read the full post here.
Published March 19, 2010
Republican challengers may see a Democratic vote for health care reform as a genuine opportunity to unseat an incumbent, but Republicans could find themselves voting no at their own peril.
While much has been made of the downside of supporting the bill, little has been said about the risks of opposing the most sweeping health care reform in decades -- after all, there are millions of voters who are either uninsured, have preexisting conditions or otherwise will benefit from provisions in the bill.
Billy Kennedy, the Democrat opposing Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), is one of the first to take advantage of a GOP no vote on health care.
"Virginia Foxx is betraying her constituents as she prepares to vote 'no' on the health care reform bill," Kennedy said in a statement. "It will be devastating for Northwestern North Carolina's working families if reform is not passed."
Read the full post here.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
HCR Town Hall meeting in NC 5th District
From www.democraticunderground.com
Published March 16, 2010
Candidate Billy Kennedy responded to Virginia Foxx’s town hall event on March 15, 2010, in Statesville:
After Rep. Foxx's health care town hall today, I searched the Constitution to see where it says we taxpayers are supposed to be subsidizing her personal health care insurance. I couldn't find it.
You see, Rep. Foxx says unless something is expressly written in the Constitution, then we the people have no right to want or expect it.
In fact, that was the exact question I had for her today (had I been called on). I wanted to know, since she's been a politician for the last 27 years, when was the last time the taxpayers weren't paying for her insurance?
It's fine for Ms. Foxx to stand up there today and tell folks that the people need to handle their own health care costs, that the government can't do anything right (so why even try?) and that our current system is the best in the world, when she lets the government handle her health needs and expects us to hand over our hard-earned dollars not just for our health needs, but for hers too.
Read the full post here.
Published March 16, 2010
Candidate Billy Kennedy responded to Virginia Foxx’s town hall event on March 15, 2010, in Statesville:
After Rep. Foxx's health care town hall today, I searched the Constitution to see where it says we taxpayers are supposed to be subsidizing her personal health care insurance. I couldn't find it.
You see, Rep. Foxx says unless something is expressly written in the Constitution, then we the people have no right to want or expect it.
In fact, that was the exact question I had for her today (had I been called on). I wanted to know, since she's been a politician for the last 27 years, when was the last time the taxpayers weren't paying for her insurance?
It's fine for Ms. Foxx to stand up there today and tell folks that the people need to handle their own health care costs, that the government can't do anything right (so why even try?) and that our current system is the best in the world, when she lets the government handle her health needs and expects us to hand over our hard-earned dollars not just for our health needs, but for hers too.
Read the full post here.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
News Brief: Billy Kennedy attends Rep. Foxx's health care town hall
From News14 Charlotte
Published March 15, 2010
STATESVILLE — Rep. Virginia Foxx fielded questions about the controversial health care bill for an hour and a half Monday.
While President Barack Obama is making a strong push this week to pass the bill, Foxx is doing her best to make sure it fails.
"It doesn't solve any of the problems that the American people say they want solved, which is to lower cost and make insurance and health care more accessible," Foxx, a Republican, said.
People packed into the Statesville Civic Center to hear Foxx's argument. Some voiced similar concerns.
Foxx's Democratic opponent, Billy Kennedy, attended the event and said the bill needs to be passed.
"The people I've been meeting with want a change and they want to know they're not going to lose everything that they've worked for all their life because they got sick," Kennedy said.
Read the full article here.
Published March 15, 2010
STATESVILLE — Rep. Virginia Foxx fielded questions about the controversial health care bill for an hour and a half Monday.
While President Barack Obama is making a strong push this week to pass the bill, Foxx is doing her best to make sure it fails.
"It doesn't solve any of the problems that the American people say they want solved, which is to lower cost and make insurance and health care more accessible," Foxx, a Republican, said.
People packed into the Statesville Civic Center to hear Foxx's argument. Some voiced similar concerns.
Foxx's Democratic opponent, Billy Kennedy, attended the event and said the bill needs to be passed.
"The people I've been meeting with want a change and they want to know they're not going to lose everything that they've worked for all their life because they got sick," Kennedy said.
Read the full article here.
Kennedy Responds to Foxx Health Care Town Hall
STATESVILLE, N.C. — Fifth District Congressional candidate Billy Kennedy attended Representative Virginia Foxx's town hall event this morning in Statesville. Following the event, Kennedy said, "After Rep. Foxx's town hall today, I searched the Constitution to see where it says we taxpayers are supposed to be subsidizing her personal health care insurance. I couldn't find it."
"You see," Kennedy continued, "Rep. Foxx says unless something is expressly written in the Constitution, then we the people have no right to want or expect it. In fact, that was the exact question I had for her today (had I been called on). I wanted to know, since she's been a politician for the last 27 years, when was the last time the taxpayers weren't subsidizing her insurance?"
Kennedy continued, "It's fine for Ms. Foxx to stand up there today and tell folks that they need to handle their own health care costs, that the government can't do anything right (so why even try?), and that our current system is the best in the world, when she lets the government handle her insurance needs and expects us to hand over our hard-earned tax dollars to support it."
A key moment in the town hall came when a gentleman stood up to talk about how his son had tried for seven years to get government disability due to his cystic fibrosis. The man choked up recounting how his son had died shortly after he got disability benefits. Ms. Foxx's reply was, "Government shouldn't have been handling this."
Kennedy said, "If government shouldn't be handling it, who should? Does Representative Foxx honestly believe private insurance would have done the right thing? There is certainly nothing in the Constitution about helping out people who have a disability, so I guess by her view, she's right."
"But for people hurting under this present for-profit system, she's just wrong. Her solutions are for this country to do the least possible for our people because she doesn't believe in government. We can and should do better than this for the people of Western North Carolina."
"You see," Kennedy continued, "Rep. Foxx says unless something is expressly written in the Constitution, then we the people have no right to want or expect it. In fact, that was the exact question I had for her today (had I been called on). I wanted to know, since she's been a politician for the last 27 years, when was the last time the taxpayers weren't subsidizing her insurance?"
Kennedy continued, "It's fine for Ms. Foxx to stand up there today and tell folks that they need to handle their own health care costs, that the government can't do anything right (so why even try?), and that our current system is the best in the world, when she lets the government handle her insurance needs and expects us to hand over our hard-earned tax dollars to support it."
A key moment in the town hall came when a gentleman stood up to talk about how his son had tried for seven years to get government disability due to his cystic fibrosis. The man choked up recounting how his son had died shortly after he got disability benefits. Ms. Foxx's reply was, "Government shouldn't have been handling this."
Kennedy said, "If government shouldn't be handling it, who should? Does Representative Foxx honestly believe private insurance would have done the right thing? There is certainly nothing in the Constitution about helping out people who have a disability, so I guess by her view, she's right."
"But for people hurting under this present for-profit system, she's just wrong. Her solutions are for this country to do the least possible for our people because she doesn't believe in government. We can and should do better than this for the people of Western North Carolina."
Sunday, March 14, 2010
News Brief: Billy Kennedy Crashes Virginia Foxx's HCR Town Hall
From DailyKos.com
Published March 13, 2010
Billy Kennedy (Democratic candidate for US Congress, NC-5) has the spunk, the spirit, and the courage of his convictions.
On Monday, he walked into Virginia Foxx's Health Care Town Hall forum in Statesville to join other battered constituents in asking Virginia just what the hell it is she really does up there in Washington. Several of us from Watauga County tagged along to grab front row seats.
Check out the crowd, some really pissed off people (on both sides), Foxx's insistence that government interference is ruining America's health care system, and Billy's response in this local TV station report of what went down. It's really worth a watch (can't embed — and there's a short commercial at the top).
Read the full post here.
Published March 13, 2010
Billy Kennedy (Democratic candidate for US Congress, NC-5) has the spunk, the spirit, and the courage of his convictions.
On Monday, he walked into Virginia Foxx's Health Care Town Hall forum in Statesville to join other battered constituents in asking Virginia just what the hell it is she really does up there in Washington. Several of us from Watauga County tagged along to grab front row seats.
Check out the crowd, some really pissed off people (on both sides), Foxx's insistence that government interference is ruining America's health care system, and Billy's response in this local TV station report of what went down. It's really worth a watch (can't embed — and there's a short commercial at the top).
Read the full post here.
News Brief: The Law of the Jungle Prevails Outside the Beltway — But Not Where Virginia Fox Gets Her Healthcare Needs Met
From downwithtyranny.blogspot.com
Published March 13, 2010
I expect that if the DCCC gets behind Billy and he beats Virginia Foxx and goes to Congress, by next year people will be asking me if candidates I recommend are anything like Billy Kennedy. What he has in common with [Alan] Grayson goes beyond a heartfelt sense of duty to serve their communities and do the right thing for the kinds of people who don't rent lobbyists — something they do both share — to an authenticity that money can't buy. Most candidates and most members of Congress don't have it, not even a tiny bit of it. Every word that comes out of Billy's mouth is enveloped in it. It's why, despite the overwhelming Republican registration advantage in NC-05, Virginia Foxx is running scared.
Yesterday she had a town hall meeting in Statesville to disparage her two current bêtes noires, healthcare reform and public education. One of the nearly 200 constituents who turned up was Billy, and he did a guest post for DWT on his experience there.
Read the full post here.
Published March 13, 2010
I expect that if the DCCC gets behind Billy and he beats Virginia Foxx and goes to Congress, by next year people will be asking me if candidates I recommend are anything like Billy Kennedy. What he has in common with [Alan] Grayson goes beyond a heartfelt sense of duty to serve their communities and do the right thing for the kinds of people who don't rent lobbyists — something they do both share — to an authenticity that money can't buy. Most candidates and most members of Congress don't have it, not even a tiny bit of it. Every word that comes out of Billy's mouth is enveloped in it. It's why, despite the overwhelming Republican registration advantage in NC-05, Virginia Foxx is running scared.
Yesterday she had a town hall meeting in Statesville to disparage her two current bêtes noires, healthcare reform and public education. One of the nearly 200 constituents who turned up was Billy, and he did a guest post for DWT on his experience there.
Read the full post here.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
News Brief: Watauga Farmer Files to Run Against Foxx
From the Winston-Salem Journal
By: Laura Graff | Journal Reporter
Published February 9, 2010
Democrat Billy Kennedy, a farmer from Watauga County, filed yesterday to challenge Republican Virginia Foxx, a three-term incumbent, for the 5th Congressional District seat.
Foxx also filed yesterday.
Kennedy, who also is a radio announcer and a carpenter, stopped during lunchtime at the Forsyth County Democratic Party's headquarters in Winston-Salem, where he told about 60 supporters that he believes Washington legislators support corporate interests over the people they are elected to represent.
Read the full article here.
By: Laura Graff | Journal Reporter
Published February 9, 2010
Democrat Billy Kennedy, a farmer from Watauga County, filed yesterday to challenge Republican Virginia Foxx, a three-term incumbent, for the 5th Congressional District seat.
Foxx also filed yesterday.
Kennedy, who also is a radio announcer and a carpenter, stopped during lunchtime at the Forsyth County Democratic Party's headquarters in Winston-Salem, where he told about 60 supporters that he believes Washington legislators support corporate interests over the people they are elected to represent.
Read the full article here.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
News Brief: Congressional Hopeful, Billy Kennedy, Begins Campaigning
From Mountain Television Network (MTN)
By: Christina Cindrich
Published: February 9, 2010
Congressional hopeful, Billy Kennedy began officially campaigning Monday with several rallies throughout North Carolina's 5th Congressional District en route to filing at the NC Board of Elections in Raleigh. Around 50 supporters gathered at the Watauga County Courthouse Monday morning to send Kennedy off on his campaign trail.
Other notable Democrats were in attendance including NC Representative Cullie Tarleton, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson, Boone Town Council member Jamie Leigh, and Watauga County School Board member Marsha Walpole. Kennedy's caravan left Boone around 9:30 a.m. with plans to stop at the Wilkes Heritage Museum, the Forsyth County Democratic Party Headquarters, and the State Board of Elections in Raleigh. more...
Read the full article here.
By: Christina Cindrich
Published: February 9, 2010
Congressional hopeful, Billy Kennedy began officially campaigning Monday with several rallies throughout North Carolina's 5th Congressional District en route to filing at the NC Board of Elections in Raleigh. Around 50 supporters gathered at the Watauga County Courthouse Monday morning to send Kennedy off on his campaign trail.
Other notable Democrats were in attendance including NC Representative Cullie Tarleton, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson, Boone Town Council member Jamie Leigh, and Watauga County School Board member Marsha Walpole. Kennedy's caravan left Boone around 9:30 a.m. with plans to stop at the Wilkes Heritage Museum, the Forsyth County Democratic Party Headquarters, and the State Board of Elections in Raleigh. more...
Read the full article here.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
News Brief: Congressional Outrage Du Jour — Anyone Remember Virginia Foxx?
From DownWithTyranny.blogspot.com
Published March 5, 2010
My own congresswoman, Diane Watson, introduced a simple resolution yesterday (which had over 50 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle), H.Res.362. It expresses the House's support for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program and "recognizes that our pupils deserve access to high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals in school." It passed 403-13, every Democrat and 155 Republicans, including the entire GOP congressional leadership voting in favor.
So who could possibly be against this? Let me give you a hint. Every single member of the North Carolina congressional delegation, Democrats and Republicans voted in favor, except one. Yes, of course, Virginia Foxx...
As you may know, Blue America has endorsed her opponent, plainspoken farmer and carpenter Billy Kennedy from Watauga County. This morning we asked him how he left about Foxx's bizarre vote.
What a sad day for North Carolina’s 5th Congressional district. Rep. Foxx was one of just 13 House members to vote against H RES 362, a bill “Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program.”
If you can’t say “yes” to the “goals” of America’s national school lunch program, then what the heck can you say “yes” to? America’s national lunch program provides a mid day meal to over 30 million school kids every day and snacks for children in after-school programs. The School Lunch Program operates in public schools, non-profit private schools, and some child care facilities. Its goal is to provide “nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches.”
1-in-7 children in North Carolina lives in a household that is forced to reduce food intake, alter normal eating patterns, or go hungry because they lack the money or resources to obtain adequate food. More than 800,000 NC school children take part in the National School Lunch Program each day. In 2007, even before the current recession hit, 7 out of 10 children in Alleghany County participated in the school lunch program. Almost that many children got free or reduced lunches in Surry, Wilkes and Ashe counties, and more than half the children in Yadkin and Forsyth counties participated.
What was Rep. Foxx thinking? Maybe she was still mulling over the words of Rush Limbaugh who said just this February about our national school lunch program: "It never occurs to the parents to go to the grocery store?" I doubt Rush Limbaugh has ever gone hungry, and it looks like Rep. Foxx isn’t having any trouble finding her next meal either. In fact, maybe she should get out of the Washington House members’ Longworth cafeteria a little more often, where on Tuesdays she can dine on Wild Mushroom, Cheese Stuffed Ravioli at a discount and where the coffee comes from Pura Vida. At least that’s what the “United States House of Representatives Dining Service Website” says.
Read the full post here.
Published March 5, 2010
My own congresswoman, Diane Watson, introduced a simple resolution yesterday (which had over 50 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle), H.Res.362. It expresses the House's support for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program and "recognizes that our pupils deserve access to high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals in school." It passed 403-13, every Democrat and 155 Republicans, including the entire GOP congressional leadership voting in favor.
So who could possibly be against this? Let me give you a hint. Every single member of the North Carolina congressional delegation, Democrats and Republicans voted in favor, except one. Yes, of course, Virginia Foxx...
As you may know, Blue America has endorsed her opponent, plainspoken farmer and carpenter Billy Kennedy from Watauga County. This morning we asked him how he left about Foxx's bizarre vote.
What a sad day for North Carolina’s 5th Congressional district. Rep. Foxx was one of just 13 House members to vote against H RES 362, a bill “Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of the National School Lunch Program.”
If you can’t say “yes” to the “goals” of America’s national school lunch program, then what the heck can you say “yes” to? America’s national lunch program provides a mid day meal to over 30 million school kids every day and snacks for children in after-school programs. The School Lunch Program operates in public schools, non-profit private schools, and some child care facilities. Its goal is to provide “nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches.”
1-in-7 children in North Carolina lives in a household that is forced to reduce food intake, alter normal eating patterns, or go hungry because they lack the money or resources to obtain adequate food. More than 800,000 NC school children take part in the National School Lunch Program each day. In 2007, even before the current recession hit, 7 out of 10 children in Alleghany County participated in the school lunch program. Almost that many children got free or reduced lunches in Surry, Wilkes and Ashe counties, and more than half the children in Yadkin and Forsyth counties participated.
What was Rep. Foxx thinking? Maybe she was still mulling over the words of Rush Limbaugh who said just this February about our national school lunch program: "It never occurs to the parents to go to the grocery store?" I doubt Rush Limbaugh has ever gone hungry, and it looks like Rep. Foxx isn’t having any trouble finding her next meal either. In fact, maybe she should get out of the Washington House members’ Longworth cafeteria a little more often, where on Tuesdays she can dine on Wild Mushroom, Cheese Stuffed Ravioli at a discount and where the coffee comes from Pura Vida. At least that’s what the “United States House of Representatives Dining Service Website” says.
Read the full post here.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
News Brief: Kennedy Announces Congressional Run
From The Mountain Times
Published February 3, 2010
Billy Kennedy, a Watauga County talk radio host and community leader, will formally announce his candidacy on February 8 for the U.S. House of Representatives, 5th District of North Carolina. The "Billy Kennedy Caravan" will stretch from Boone to Raleigh that day, with stops in Wilkesboro and Winston-Salem.
Read the full article here.
Published February 3, 2010
Billy Kennedy, a Watauga County talk radio host and community leader, will formally announce his candidacy on February 8 for the U.S. House of Representatives, 5th District of North Carolina. The "Billy Kennedy Caravan" will stretch from Boone to Raleigh that day, with stops in Wilkesboro and Winston-Salem.
Read the full article here.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
News Brief: Excitement in North Carolina
From downwithtyranny.blogspot.com
Published February 1, 2010
Noah's brother and sister-in-law live in northwest North Carolina's Piedmont area, the 5th CD, which manages to skirt cities and encompass the suburbs of Winston-Salem and the outer suburbs of Charlotte. The congressional district, which is overwhelmingly Republican (PVI is R +15 and McCain, while losing the state, won the 5th with a hefty 61 percent of the vote) and overwhelmingly white. It includes Mt. Airy, the model for Andy Griffith's Mayberry. When far right fanatic Richard Burr gave up his House seat to run for John Edwards' abandoned Senate seat, Virginia Foxx-- a kooky state Senator best known as the nut job who sponsored a constitutional amendment targeting gays and legislation to hurt women's Choice, Hispanic immigrants and public education-- stumbled into a close run-off victory with a fringe maniac billing himself as "the black Jesse Helms." In Congress Foxx has been one of the 3 or 4 most outspokenly anti-gay members and the ideological heir to Jesse Helms' backward bigotry across the board. She hasn't had a credible challenger since she was elected. Until now.
Read the full article here.
Published February 1, 2010
Noah's brother and sister-in-law live in northwest North Carolina's Piedmont area, the 5th CD, which manages to skirt cities and encompass the suburbs of Winston-Salem and the outer suburbs of Charlotte. The congressional district, which is overwhelmingly Republican (PVI is R +15 and McCain, while losing the state, won the 5th with a hefty 61 percent of the vote) and overwhelmingly white. It includes Mt. Airy, the model for Andy Griffith's Mayberry. When far right fanatic Richard Burr gave up his House seat to run for John Edwards' abandoned Senate seat, Virginia Foxx-- a kooky state Senator best known as the nut job who sponsored a constitutional amendment targeting gays and legislation to hurt women's Choice, Hispanic immigrants and public education-- stumbled into a close run-off victory with a fringe maniac billing himself as "the black Jesse Helms." In Congress Foxx has been one of the 3 or 4 most outspokenly anti-gay members and the ideological heir to Jesse Helms' backward bigotry across the board. She hasn't had a credible challenger since she was elected. Until now.
Read the full article here.
News Brief: It's on: Election filing closed; heated battles are open
From The Watauga Democrat
By: Jason Reagan, editor
Published March 1, 2010
The closing of the candidacy deadline for 2010 elections opened up a few surprises on Friday.
The Democrats' attempt to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx from her three-term congressional seat got a little easier after the deadline passed without a primary opponent emerging to face Watauga County farmer Billy Kennedy.
Read the full article here.
By: Jason Reagan, editor
Published March 1, 2010
The closing of the candidacy deadline for 2010 elections opened up a few surprises on Friday.
The Democrats' attempt to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx from her three-term congressional seat got a little easier after the deadline passed without a primary opponent emerging to face Watauga County farmer Billy Kennedy.
Read the full article here.
News Brief: Dynasty Politics in America
From DownWithTyranny.blogspot.com
Published March 1, 2010
Meanwhile, if Democrats are serious about a Kennedy based on merit, Blue America endorsed Billy Kennedy from North Carolina this past weekend. This one may not have the cache but he's one of us, not one of them and I haven't spoken to a better qualified Kennedy for elective office in my life.
Read the full post here.
Published March 1, 2010
Meanwhile, if Democrats are serious about a Kennedy based on merit, Blue America endorsed Billy Kennedy from North Carolina this past weekend. This one may not have the cache but he's one of us, not one of them and I haven't spoken to a better qualified Kennedy for elective office in my life.
Read the full post here.
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