With the primary just around the corner, the Swain County Republican Party hosted several candidates during its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 20 at the United Community Bank meeting room before about 20 voters.
With so many present, the candidates had a short time to speak to the crowd, but stuck around to speak one on one later.
District Court Judges
The youngest of those competing for a the 30th district court judge seat, Kaleb Wingate of Haywood County addressed the crowd first. A Haywood County native, he said, “from an early age I was taught the importance of mountain values such as a strong faith in God and work ethic.” Following law school, he returned to his county as a prosecutor handling felony cases in district and superior court. “I got a lot of experience in a short amount of time,” he said. He now works at a private practice. He identifies as a Christian conservative and proud Republican.
He encouraged voters to speak with local law enforcement and the clerk of courts to find out more about the district judge candidates.
Jim Moore, also of Haywood County, says his life begins with his family then his work. His experience includes working as an Assistant District Attorney for 17 years and then in private practice for 17 years. “That’s what distinguishes me from the three candidates,” he said. He added his life experience includes being a cook, waiter, and even a milkman.
Rich Cassady, of Franklin, was the final for the seat to speak. He served two tours in the Persian Gulf War in the Navy and has been in private law practice for 18 years, covering criminal law, personal injury and family law. He added he’s handled custody cases as well.
“I am the only veteran running, and I’m the only lifelong Republican running here…” he said. He moved to Western North Carolina after Hurricane Katrina and raised his family here.
U.S. Congress 11th district
An even younger candidate, Madison Cawthorn, spoke next.
An eighth generation WNC resident, said he’s the kind of candidate who can appeal to young voters who, unlike those in the room, are spending their time on Instagram and Youtube. “They are being led off a cliff by socialist leftist crazies who are preaching to them that Republican party is a party of hate filled old rich white people- the party that doesn’t care about anybody, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth, we are the party Reagan and Lincoln… we are the party that lifts people up,” he said.
Jim Davis is also vying for the seat currently held by Republican Mark Meadows. Davis has served as a state senator since 2011, and pointed out he’s the only candidate who has held elected office. He got the inaugural legislators of the year award from the chiefs of police, the state health department directors. “I believe in serving you and public servants on the local level, and I’ve been very privileged to do that.”
He added he’s proud of his record. “I’m conservative. I’m pro-life. I’m pro-gun, and I’m pro-Trump,” he said.
State representative 119th
Mike Clampitt, of Swain County, also said look to his record.
“I’d like to say that my record should stand. Having been in the House, I’ve had a 95% success rate on constituent issues. My main priority was to get our money on the Road to Nowhere, and I got to say, praise the Lord Jesus, we did get that,” he said, adding it was a team effort. He added the district had its largest appropriation in 2018.
“Second amendment, pro-life, God fearing,” he added.
Ron Mau, of Jackson County, who currently serves on the county commission, is adding a new face to the 119th race that has been Clampitt vs. Democrat Joe Sam Queen for the past several races. He’s married and has two sons who graduated from Smoky Mountain.
“The three big things I’m about: limited government, personal liberty and free markets,” he said. “Those are the three things I think are very important to make sure we don’t have government overstepping their boundaries.”
State Senate district 50
A newcomer to running for office, Dr. Sarah Conway said she takes a grassroots approach. She spoke about the value of keeping the government “of the people” by term limits and letting more regular people run. “I like small government, I’d like to defend our 2nd amendment. I’m a Christian conservative, I respect our veterans greatly… I’d like to keep our taxes low and to have reasonably priced healthcare by having more free markets and some associations.”
Kevin Corbin, of Macon County, who has served in the NC House 120th district for the past four years, is now running for the Senate seat. “The thing I’m proudest of is letting those folks know where Western North Carolina is.”
His son is continuing the 7th generation of his family farm.
He’s proud for brining other state elected officials to the district to share the challenges there are here, adding he’ll continue to do so if elected for state senate.
Swain County Commission
The final candidate to speak for the night, Rob Lowe, a newcomer to politics.
“The reason I’m running for commissioner is I got upset with the way things are going in Swain County, one thing my Daddy taught me is you just got to get your gander up,” he said. “Swain County has history of getting the short end of the stick; we need to look out for locals first, our education system first. We need a new library that needs to be top priority.”
He added the roads need to be maintained and that he supports law enforcement in the ongoing opioid crisis.
He also said affordable housing and employment are top priorities.
Meet and greet with the candidates followed.
Upcoming:
• Candidate Forum for 11th District US Congressional Candidates and NC Legislative Candidates sponsored by Smoky Mountain Republican Women will be Saturday, Feb. 8 from noon-2 p.m. at the Swain County Senior Center, 125 Brendle Street. Free admission includes lunch. Candidates RSVP to Charlene Hogue c_hogue@ymail.com or call 828-371-8247.