Patrick McHenry

McHenry Votes "No" to Bipartisan Housing Crisis Relief

kbolton — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:20:08 -0600

Daniel Johnson, candidate for North Carolina's 10th Congressional District, rebuked Congressman Patrick McHenry's vote against a comprehensive, bipartisan response to the current mortgage crisis. The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act (HR 3221) passed with support from Republicans and Democrats alike.

"While the subprime crisis arose due to the actions of irresponsible lenders and irresponsible borrowers, failure to act to stabilize the housing market affects all homeowners and drags down the entire economy," said Johnson.

McHenry, who has accepted campaign contributions from subprime mortgage lenders like Countrywide, voted against tightening mortgage disclosure requirements to make mortgage loan terms more understandable to aspiring homeowners.

Big Oil, Robin Hayes, and Patrick McHenry

admin — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:45:47 -0600

Chairman Chris Van Hollen announced today that the DCCC is launching the “Independence from Big Oil” campaign and will run radio ads against Representatives Robin Hayes (NC-08) and Patrick McHenry (NC-10), who both have stood with George Bush and Big Oil while North Carolina’s middle class families are being squeezed by the highest gas prices in history. The radio ads were recorded by a comedian impersonating President Bush.

“We will be going district-by-district to hold House Republicans accountable for helping President Bush give tax breaks to profitable Big Oil companies and doing nothing to help hardworking middle class Americans who are paying more than $4.00 per gallon at the pump,” said Chairman Chris Van Hollen. “This Independence Day, the American people deserve to be liberated from the Big Oil policies of President Bush and the rubber stamp House Republicans.”

Independent Poll Shows McHenry Weak in NC's 10th District

admin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:46:13 -0600

An independent poll released today by Public Policy Polling clearly demonstrates that the voters of North Carolina's 10th Congressional District are looking for a change in leadership in Washington. Respondents overwhelmingly reject the divisive leadership style that has been the hallmark of Patrick McHenry's tenure in Washington and express a strong disapproval of President Bush's performance, which McHenry has championed.

Watt: Don't use credit score in figuring car premiums

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:44:32 -0600

By Lisa Zagaroli, McClatchy Newspapers

Rep. Mel Watt said Wednesday he would push forward with legislation curbing insurers' ability to weigh whether people pay their credit card bills on time in determining if they get good car insurance rates.

The Charlotte Democrat, who chairs an oversight panel of the House Financial Services Committee, said he remains convinced that the use of credit scores amounts to allowing racial discrimination as a factor in setting premiums.

“I don't think it's any more rational to be basing insurance premiums on credit than for lenders to base credit decisions on driving records,” Watt said after holding his second hearing on the matter. “It just doesn't make any sense.”

Republican Patrick McHenry Begins Smear Campaign

kbolton — Thu, 08 May 2008 06:16:51 -0600

Before the primary election results have even been certified, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has already begun his negative campaigning. In a statement on his website, Rep. McHenry says about the Johnson campaign:

"The Democrats are preparing to mount a competitive bid for our seat. I called Daniel Johnson last night to congratulate him on his win and tell him that I look forward to a vigorous campaign on the issues moving forward.

But Nancy Pelosi's chosen recruit, a trial lawyer from Raleigh, already has his pockets stuffed with cash from Washington liberals, and we know there will be more to come."

Thanks Boss!

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:53:32 -0600

By Matthew Murray, Roll Call

Republican Patrick McHenry recently gave Michael Aaron Lay $10,000 to beat back voter fraud charges brought while the former campaign aide worked for the now-Member.

According to recent Federal Election Commission filings, McHenry gave Lay $5,000 out of his political action committee, More Conservatives PAC, in two payments during February and March.

The contributions were labeled “legal expense donation[s].” McHenry had given Lay another $10,000 in July 2007.

Here is what Republicans have to say about McHenry

admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:03:33 -0600

McHenry: Do-it-yourself stupidity

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:03:07 -0600

Paul O'Connor, Winston-Salem Journal

When the history of political news and the 2008 campaign is written, U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry of Cherryville may deserve a footnote.

The 10th District Republican has been much in the news lately for his reference to a “two-bit security guard” who denied him access to a gym inside Baghdad’s Green Zone. McHenry was there on a photo opportunity so he would look concerned enough about our troops to get re-elected.

Contrary to that mission, however, McHenry may have hurt his prospects for renomination with his own reporting about the trip.

McHenry Says No to Making College More Affordable

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:16:33 -0700

McHenry Votes Against Tuition Relief for Over 160,000 North Carolina Students

Daniel Johnson, a Congressional Candidate in North Carolina’s 10th District, criticized Rep. Patrick McHenry for voting against the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. McHenry was one of only 58 House members to vote against the bi-partisan bill that makes college more affordable for middle class and low-income families. The bill received the support of both Democrats and Republicans from North Carolina.

“This was a great opportunity to rise above partisan bickering and provide much-needed tuition relief for thousands of North Carolina families,” said Johnson. “But once again, the current representative chose party politics above the needs of his constituents.”

The bill would increase loans and Pell grants to North Carolina students and families by $351 million over five years. Over 160,000 North Carolina students would benefit from the bill’s $500 increase in each Pell grant.

New Poll Shows McHenry’s Popularity Sliding

DIYDemocracy — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:35:10 -0700

A new survey by Public Policy Polling shows Democratic challenger Daniel Johnson within striking district of incumbent Patrick McHenry in North Carolina’s 10th District.

When respondents were given a description of Johnson, McHenry led him by a margin of only 39-32%. It is highly unusual for an incumbent to poll below 40%, particularly for a Republican congressman in a district as historically GOP leaning as the North Carolina 10th.

The poll also showed McHenry’s approval rating plummeting from a Public Policy Polling survey performed on behalf of the North Carolina Democratic Party in August. His approval is down to 43% in this week’s poll after registering at 53% in the August poll.

Additionally, while 55% of respondents to the August poll said they would vote to reelect McHenry only 45% of those surveyed this week said they would.