Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

I grew up in Montana, the second of four children.  I attended Montana State University after which I spent two years in the U.S. Navy. While raising my two children, I taught for 17 years in a public high school and worked on my MEd. which I earned in 1979.  The graduate degree gave me the credentials to teach at a Community College which I did for 10 years.

I was always busy in the community -- in my children’s activities, church work, music and community affairs.  I have taught Sunday School, been a Den Mother, a Band Parent, a March of Dimes Coordinator, Cookie Chairman, and numerous other jobs.

I entered politics nine years ago when I was elected to the River Bend Town Council.  I served two terms having my political baptism and learning municipal management.  From there I was the first woman ever to be elected to the Craven County Board of Commissioners. I am in my second term on the Board of Commissioners and I love having the opportunity to serve the citizens of our country.  I have served and do serve on countless Boards and Committees all of which have been an education and provided information that I can take with me to Raleigh.

The upcoming elections will require the concerted efforts of Republicans, unaffiliated voters and conservative Democrats if we are to wrest control of our State from the tax and spend liberals in Raleigh.  We must break the Democrat establishment’s stranglehold on our state government.  The issues are taxes, spending, property rights, marriage, immigration, roads, education and corruption to name a few.  It will require Republican candidates who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.  It will require candidates with good character, a solid resume and a strong record of public service.  When the issues are proven and our candidates have a track record and ability, Republicans win every time.  For the last two election cycles we Republicans have selected a candidate for the N.C. House that has never held an elected office.  Einstein once said that the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.  The only two Republicans that have represented us in this seat had solid resumes and had held elected office.

It is apparent that we cannot gain the majority in the N.C. Senate in ’08; we did our part in ’06 by electing Jean Preston.  The N.C. House is another matter: I am optimistic.  Alice Underhill is vulnerable if we select the right person.  I believe that I am that person.  My resume includes a Masters Degree in Education (MEd), Navy veteran and over 20 years experience as a high school and junior college teacher.  My record demonstrates the attributes of a winner and clearly defined qualifications and a solid record of accomplishment as an elected official in River Bend and Craven County.  I have run for office four times and been elected four times.  I was the first woman to ever be elected as a Craven County commissioner by beating Carr Ipock, a Democrat icon, by a landslide (60% of the vote).  I have name recognition.  My voting record from gun control to taxes has been consistent and solid.