Congressional candidates to appear at forums

Four dates scheduled in October

By: Dee Henry | Hickory Daily Record
Published: September 19, 2008

HICKORY --

Candidates in one of the more contentious political races this year will appear at four forums in October.

Daniel Johnson and Patrick McHenry, vying for McHenry's 10th Congressional seat, have both confirmed their appearances at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Candidates' Forum on Oct. 7; the Cleveland County Community College Candidates' Forum on Oct. 9; the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce Candidates' Forum on Oct. 15 and the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Candidates' Debate on Oct. 23.

On Sept. 18, McHenry sent a letter to Johnson through his Campaign Manager Rebecca Yount, "calling on" Johnson to appear at the events. Yount also sent a press release to the media, alerting them of his appeal to Johnson.

"Mr. McHenry sent the letter to Daniel Johnson because he wants him to be there," Yount said. "And he sent the release to the media because he wants them to be there as well."

"There is much at stake in this election for Western North Carolina," Yount's letter read. "We can certainly agree that voters must understand the stark policy differences between the two candidates before they make their decision on Election Day."

Lauren Moore, Johnson's campaign manager, confirmed Johnson's appearance at all four events, but said Johnson was answering previous invitations from the events' sponsors rather than McHenry's letter.

"The voters need to hear both candidates speak. They'll hear how Daniel will improve the representation in the district," Moore said.