Once again, Congressman Patrick McHenry has chosen big banks and credit card companies over the families and small businesses of Western North Carolina.

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.

Hickory Daily Record

Our nation faces a grave energy crisis, but with the right leadership, we can convert this challenge into a great opportunity to create jobs, strengthen our national security, and protect our natural resources.

Skyrocketing gas prices are busting our family budgets and shrinking our businesses’ bottom lines. At the same time, America’s dependence on Middle East oil leaves our national security at the mercy of unstable and sometimes hostile foreign regimes. Our addiction to foreign oil is an economic issue, a security issue, and a moral issue that requires immediate action.

We cannot leave this crisis for our children to solve.

Please vote in the final round to bring General Wesley Clark to the 10th District!

Because of your votes in the first round, Daniel Johnson is in the finals of the online competition to serve with General Clark.

If Daniel wins, General Clark will travel to our District to work side-by-side with Daniel and our supporters on a community service project.

The 10th Congressional District Democratic Party will be holding a district wide rally and straw poll on April 12th at 11am until 2pm at the Newton Conover Civic and Performance Place in Newton, NC. Democrats from across the district and state will have the opportunity to voice their preferences in the Presidential primary as well as those statewide offices that have Democratic primary challenges.

A large majority of Democrats seeking statewide offices (list below) have confirmed attendance and will be given an equal amount of time to address those in attendance. Political speeches will be accompanied by a barbeque lunch and live music for entertainment. The event will culminate in secret balloting with results being announced at the event, as well as being released to the media. The rally is expected to draw between 250-500 attendees from the 10th district and from areas across the state. The $10 admission will benefit the 10th Congressional District Democratic Party.

Steve Ivester is running in the Tenth Congressional District for the Democratic nomination.

Steve has deep roots and an active business interests in three of the 10 counties in the district. He was born and raised in Burke County. His parents are from Cleveland County, where he owns his grandfather’s small farm. Steve and his wife Judy have lived and worked in Hickory for nearly 25 years.

A retired manufacturer, Steve has also worked as: an inventor, corporate chief engineer, marketing manager, and business planner for major corporations. Steve, a professional engineer, also does engineer/management consulting and business planning for start-ups.

He holds a BSME from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He also served three years of active duty as a Coast Guard Officer.

The following are Steve’s thoughts on who he is and why he is running for office:

Johnson Will Bring His Strength of Character and Bold Leadership to Washington

Pledging to represent the values of North Carolina with character and integrity, Daniel Johnson is running to represent North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District in the United States Congress.

“Running for Congress is a continuation of my service to America and the people of North Carolina,” said Johnson. “I look around the area I grew up in, and see people struggling with keeping their jobs, affording their health care and just making ends meet. It is time for a new brand of leadership – one that the people of this district can be proud of. I have the character and the experience needed to be an effective representative for my state.”