I'm Larry Kissell, and I'm running for Congress.

It may be corny, but I really do believe that one person can make a difference -- and that is why I'm running. I couldn't sit back anymore and just complain about the state of my country. Whether you are religious or not, I hope you can understand the feeling of being called to something and realizing that whatever the obstacles, you have to see it through. It hasn't been easy, especially as a regular working American, and far from a wealthy one after 27 years in textiles. I've had to spend a great deal of time away from my family. I have used credit cards to loan my campaign more than $35,000. And I have pledged to take a leave of absence from teaching this fall.

I have taken some huge risks to run for Congress, but I know it is what I'm supposed to do. Anytime I get tired or frustrated, all I have to do is turn on the news and I remember why I'm running. Our government is a mess. We as citizens have to take it back and clean it up. It is our sacred responsibility. You're engaged and doing your part, and I draw strength from each and every one of you.

Thank you netroots!

I feel truly blessed. My bid to take back North Carolina's pivotal 8th district seat has soared from an upstart grassroots campaign to a well oiled machine hitting on all 8 cylinders in no time. And you made the difference. The attention from all my friends at BlueNC, MyDD and Daily Kos is humbling. There was never a doubt in my mind I was doing the right thing, no matter the challenges, no matter what the politicos may say, as many of you have been right there with me all along. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My favorite part of a long day of working, campaigning, dialing for dollars and planning for November is sitting down to thank new friends from as far away as Hawaii or New York that have already invested in this fight. You've shown me that good people are the same all over. We want change, we want what's right. And most importantly, you've validated what I've known all along. I'm the right candidate, with the right issues, in the right year, in the right district, and I'm going to retire Robin Hayes from doing any more damage to our nation for good.

I'm committed to winning this election. There are 70,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in NC-08. It has a Democratic Performance of more than 50%, in a year already breaking anti-Republican and anti-incumbent. I've been blessed to attract the right staff, the right endorsements and the right interest and this is the year we take it back.

I'm inviting you to join my fight. My opponent has over a million dollars already on hand. Here is what we have to say to that -- He is going to need it, every penny, because the people of North Carolina are fed up with his broken promises and caving in to President Bush twisting his arm time and again whenever the Republicans need another rubber stamp. I don't need the most money, just enough money. And thanks to you I'm off to a great start.

Please visit my campaign website, read our press, check our issues and stand with me in sending a clear message to Washington this year -- We've had enough!

Together, we can make a difference.

Larry Kissell
Democratic Candidate for Congress
North Carolina, 8th District

Someone Working...For a Change