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Sigmon wins Catawba Co. Straw Poll, 49-14

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

"It is clear from the 77.7% preference these conventioneers expressed for me that my message of maturity, integrity and decency as qualities voters should expect of their elected officials is ringing true," Sigmon said. "This poll confirms that a candidate's good character is more important to voters than his ability to attract lobbyist money from outside our district."

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 that he won't attend your debate because he doesn't consider Catawba County a 'proper venue'." Despite several invitations by Republican Party officials, McHenry did not attend the Catawba County convention, either.

Catawba County Republicans met for their annual convention at the 1924 Courthouse in downtown Newton. In 2004, their first primary election in 40 years, Republicans in Catawba County produced 13,758 (33.7%) of the party's total 40,846 votes in the 10-county district.