Press Releases

GOP Recruitment Tour Crashes in North Carolina

Less than 24 hours after arriving in the Tar Heel State, the NRCC recruitment tour derailed when ex-Representative Robin Hayes announced he will not run in 2010.

"The NRCC is trying to recruit the same out-of-touch candidates who support the same failed policies that left hardworking North Carolina families behind," said Jessica Santillo, Southern Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "But the Republicans' tour, like their out-of-touch policies, is crashing and burning."

The latest recruitment failure adds to a string of embarrassments for NRCC Recruitment Chair Kevin McCarthy (CA-22), with several Republican candidates declining to run, and others finding themselves embroiled in scandal.

This is the second Republican derailment in NC-08. Former Carolina Panther Mike Minter also took a pass on running in NC-08 earlier this year, a trend that has continued across the country.

The NRCC has also found itself dealing with several delinquent recruits, including a candidate who interfered in an active DUI investigation for a political friend, a candidate under investigation for campaign finance violations, and a candidate involved in a brutal bar fight.

Background

Former Representative Robin Hayes announced he will not run in 2010. [Hayes won't challenge Kissell in 8th District, Charlotte Observer, 8/19/09]

Former Carolina Panther Mike Minter declined to run in NC-08 in 2010 [Minter Takes a Pass on Challenging Kissell, Roll Call, 5/26/09]

NRCC recruit Van Tran interfered with a DUI investigation [Police say Assemblyman Van Tran disrupted DUI investigation, OC Register, 8/6/09] The NRCC recruited Van Tran. [Politico, 4/28/09]

NRCC recruit Sid Leiken is under investigation by the Oregon Secretary of State's office for campaign finance violations. [Springfield mayor's PAC draws state investigation, Register-Guard, 6/25/09] The NRCC recruited Sin Leiken. [Associated Press, 5/6/09]

NRCC recruit Frank Guinta was involved in bar fight that left a man's leg broken in seven places. [When politicians attack, Politico, 6/30/09] The NRCC recruited Frank Guinta [Politico, 5/1/09]

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