CQ TODAY PRINT EDITION
Nov. 4, 2008 – 11:00 p.m.
111th House Freshmen: Larry Kissell, D-N.C. (8)
By Alex Wayne, CQ Staff
Pronounced: KISS-ell
Election: Defeated Rep. Robin Hayes , R
Residence: Biscoe
Born: Jan. 31, 1951; Pinehurst, N.C.
Religion: Baptist
Family: Wife, Tina Kissell; two children
Education: Wake Forest U., B.A. 1973 (economics)
Career: Teacher; textile mill supervisor; chemical company foreman
Political highlights: Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 2006
Kissell wants to be the district’s chief economic development official, “working tirelessly to recruit industry and jobs to our area while supporting legislation and policies that assist small businesses to start and succeed,” he said through a spokesman.
Kissell worked in textile mills for 27 years, mostly in management, before leaving in 2001 to become a social studies teacher. Soon after he made that career switch, his former employer shut down, shedding 800 jobs.
He blames current trade policies for such job losses in North Carolina.
There should be a moratorium on free-trade deals, Kissell says, until North Carolina recovers thousands of jobs it lost in recent years — thanks, he contends, to trade pacts his election opponent voted to approve.
111th House Freshmen: Larry Kissell, D-N.C. (8)
Kissell also proposes a “comprehensive national energy policy” with an emphasis on developing energy from non-fossil-fuel sources. During his campaign, he said he opposed opening North Carolina’s coast to oil drilling.
Kissell — whose district includes part of Fort Bragg, which houses the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division — is interested in joining the Armed Services Committee.
He has criticized the Bush administration’s execution of the war in Iraq, and he proposes withdrawing U.S. forces within a year.
He also says a seat on the Agriculture Committee would be a natural fit for the largely rural and suburban district.
Comments
Kissell is another obvious plus over his right-wing predecessor.
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