Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I have been recognized nationally and internationally for my leadership, proven effectiveness, and practical experience since first being elected to Congress in 1997. Examples include:

• Leadership. From helping veterans and senior citizens to strengthening our national defense and our agricultural base, from protecting our coastal environment to pushing for jobs and economic development, from improving educational opportunities to better health care for persons of all ages, I am grateful to have received recognition ranging from the local, regional and state levels to national and international awards for my work in these critical areas (e.g. Southern Economic Development Council, Veterans Services Officers Association, Rural Health Association, Senior Citizens League, Farm Service Agency Employees Association and International Association of Personnel in Employment Security.)
• Effectiveness. From the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act which will give veterans better access to benefits to the Southeast Crescent Regional Economic Development Commission that will place a federal focus on jobs and economic development, to the tobacco buyout that will result in $4 billion for our state economy, I have written legislation that has championed the concerns of our citizens. Whether it has been money for our schools, fire, law enforcement or rescue units, or improving Sampson Community College, the results are successfully giving new opportunities and hope.
• Experience. The practical experiences of having worked for fourteen years under both Republican and Democratic-controlled Congresses, along with the know-how that comes with chairing an agricultural subcommittee, as well as leading caucuses on military, health care, business and technology, family issues, coastal concerns and representing our country on an international level with regard to security, humanitarian, environmental and religious freedom are indispensable indicators of the insight and understanding gained from years of personal involvement with which I have been blessed.

Fighting for our families and our future has always been my commitment in Congress, so that our values are reflected in practical ways that positively affect our quality of life in Southeastern North Carolina. Protecting our great nation, honoring our veterans, helping our farm families and preserving our precious coast have been priorities. Additionally, helping senior citizens and our children, improving health care and education, as well as strengthening our fire, rescue and law enforcement with the resources they need have been key for our area. Most importantly, economic development and jobs have always been at the forefront of my work.