‘Life experiences’ make me the better 10th District candidate

In my campaign to unseat incumbent Patrick McHenry in the North Carolina 10th District in the May 6 primary election, sometimes I am asked what makes me the better choice.

While we may be similar on the most of the “issues”, I have had totally different life experiences than Mr. McHenry.  More than the difference in our ages, my entire life stands in stark contrast to McHenry’s never-been-married single lifestyle and a career that has revolved exclusively around politics.

During my senior year in high school, I knew I wasn’t mature enough to go to college, plus my family couldn’t afford it.  I joined the Air Force, and by age 19, I was the only enlisted man on a B-52 bomber crew that routinely stood “on alert” equipped with nuclear weapons. It was a huge responsibility but extremely worthwhile.  I think that’s when I really grew up and understood the meaning of sacrifice and service.

At age 22, I began college using the GI Bill to help pay for tuition. Four years later, I graduated from Western Carolina University, married my high school sweetheart, and entered law school at Wake Forest University.  After graduating from law school, I re-entered the Air Force as an officer and Judge Advocate, and spent the next 17 years serving our country in numerous capacities around the world.

I was both honored and humbled when I was selected as a military judge in 2003. My decisions affected the lives and future of many young men and women. It was my responsibility to assess each situation, judge the credibility of witnesses, and, if required, select an appropriate punishment balancing the needs of the defendant with the needs of society.  It was a serious duty that I dealt with through prayer and study.

I have worked since I was in junior high school, and I worked throughout both college and law school.  Some of the jobs I held outside of the military included washing dishes, cleaning offices, loading trucks, delivering soft drink machines, working in a steel fabrication mill, umpiring softball games, and working on a highway construction crew. 

Throughout my life, I have shown that I have patience and willingness to work hard and to work with others with diverse backgrounds and nationalities to get the job done.   I lean on my faith in God and my love for my family and my country during difficult times.  Together, my wife and I have faced the deaths of both of her parents and several serious illnesses in my family.  We prayerfully made the decision to homeschool our children while stationed in Germany, and we have worked together for the past 10 years to ensure that our children have a strong academic and moral background.  We have been active in church wherever we lived. Through God’s grace, we kept our family strong during many military moves, deployments, and hardships.

I only ask that Republicans in the 10th district look at me and look at my opponent. I hope you agree that I am the best choice to be your representative in Washington.  This is my home, and I returned to this area because it was home.  I believe that I am more like you than my opponent is, and have the best interests of this district, and the people who live here, in my heart.  I humbly ask for your vote on May 6th.

Sigmon overwhelming favorite in Catawba County

Republicans in voter-rich Catawba County expressed an overwhelming preference Saturday for challenger Lance Sigmon in the 10th District congressional race, preferring Sigmon 49-14 in a straw poll over Rep. Patrick McHenry.

“It is clear from the 77% preference these conventioneers expressed for me, that my message of maturity, integrity and decency are qualities voters expect of their elected officials,” Sigmon said.

Despite several invitations by Republican Party officials, McHenry did not attend the Catawba County Convention.

During his brief remarks to the convention, the Newton veteran promised the attendees that he would attend the debate the Catawba County party has scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 18 at Catawba Valley Community College, “regardless whether Rep. McHenry is there or not.”

Sigmon also reminded the convention that “our congressman has said several times that he won’t attend your debate, because he doesn’t consider Catawba County a ‘proper venue’.”