Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Born August 26, 1945 in Charlotte; graduated from York Road High School in Charlotte (1963), received BS degree in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill (1967) and Juris Doctor degree from Yale University Law School (1970); practiced law with Chambers, Stein, Ferguson & Becton (1971-92); managed Harvey Gantt's campaigns for City Council, Mayor of Charlotte and U.S. Senate; served one term in the NC State Senate (1985-86); Member of Congress - 12th District of NC (1993 - Present).  

I am honored to have represented the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina for 16 years and I am seeking re-election to my ninth term.  My years of service in Congress have enabled me to:

1. Build an effective staff that provides outstanding service and gets government resources and results for the residents of the 12th District;
2. Gain seniority and influence in Congress and on congressional committees (Financial Services Committee and Judiciary Committee) with jurisdiction over issues that directly impact the lives of my constituents -- issues such as housing, justice, credit and economic opportunity; and
3. Learn and understand the positions of my constituents and speak boldly and aggressively for those positions.

I am seeking re-election to continue to advocate for the interests of the residents of the 12th District and to help get the United States headed in the right direction again.  I have been heavily involved in efforts to solve the housing and foreclosure crisis, to get our economy expanding and creating good-paying jobs again and to solve our energy challenges by developing alternatives sources of energy.  I will work to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home as soon as possible and I support universal health coverage for all our citizens.  

We have a great opportunity this year to set our country on a new and stronger course.  I look forward to working for the kind of change that will do just that.  I ask for your support.