Hayes 'running hard' to become state GOP chairman

Former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes wants to represent North Carolina Republicans as chairman of the state party.

“I am running hard,” Hayes told staff writer Barbara Barrett on Tuesday.

Hayes said that along with visiting grandchildren and spending time hunting and fishing, he’s been working recently on a campaign to replace Tom Fetzer, the outgoing state GOP chairman, who has said he plans to resign in January.

Hayes, 65, said he wants to build on Republican successes, but not just to increase the number of Republicans in office.

“It’s more than just a name,” he said. “The change people want is exactly what the Republican party has stood for. People want smaller government. They want lower taxes. They want less government interference.”

As chairman, Hayes said, he would use his political experience and business contacts to help others.

“I can help people stay focused on the goal, encourage them, help them make fund-raising calls,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed almost 20 years in office.”

Hayes served a decade in Congress, representing the 8th District, before losing to high school civics teacher Larry Kissell in 2008.

Before that, he was elected in 1992 to the state House of Representatives. He earned the GOP nomination for governor in 1996, but lost to Democrat Jim Hunt.

Hayes also runs a hosiery mill in Mt. Pleasant and is an heir to the Cannon textile fortune.

Hayes predicted that the GOP could do well in 2012.

“We can take over the governor’s mansion. We can take over the White House,” he said.