The ‘Freedom Fries’ GOP Congressman in tough re-election fight

May 2nd, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Republican Walter Jones (N.C.) introduced America to “Freedom Fries” in protest to our apprehensive ally, France. Needless to say he was a supporter of the Iraq invasion and Bush’s decisions to invade. Since then he has had a change of of heart. Even a big enough change that he sided with Ohio oddball, Democrat Dennis Kucinich, in a campaign to withdrawal U.S. troops from Iraq in 16 months. Now he stands the chance of losing reelection on Tuesday.

Joe McLaughlin is his primary challenger and many of the GOP establishment are supporting him over Jones. McLaughlin has won numerous straw polls giving a strong indicator of his support in the district.

A county commissioner from the military-heavy southern part of the district, Mr. McLaughlin views his campaign as a “ground war,” and characterizes Mr. Jones’s strategy as an “air war” on television and radio. He is a financial planner and former Army Ranger who speaks with a polished demeanor but prefers to greet people with the Army cheer “hooah” — or, if they’re Marines, “oorah” — unafraid to shout it across a crowded restaurant.

Activists from outside the district have signed on with the McLaughlin campaign as well. Grover Norquist, a prominent anti-tax conservative, traveled to endorse Mr. McLaughlin in a three-city tour. Mr. Norquist spoke out against Mr. Jones because he says the congressman broke his pledge to not raise taxes by supporting the Democrats’ energy and agriculture bills.

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