Frank Roche, said he is tired of watching U.S. Rep. David Price coast to easy election victories.
Roche, who moved to Apex from Manhattan in 2007, has taken time off from his career as a foreign exchange trader to run for Price's seat next year.
"He has taken these election cycles with one arm behind his back," Roche said. "We're hoping to get him a little more involved this time."
Roche, 46, said he's seen skepticism from within Republican circles about his chances of unseating Price, who has been in Congress since 1987, except for one, two-year term.
"It's a common refrain from political operatives in this state. A little grin and 'good luck to you,'" Roche said.
Roche said he plans to run a campaign focused on the U.S.'s interests in trade and foreign issues. He opposes Democratic proposals on health care and a cap and trade system on carbon emissions.
Earlier this month, B.J. Lawson, who lost to Price in the last election, decided not to run again.
Comments
Re: Roche wants Price to have to run harder
January 6, 2010 - 7:10pm — angus703Qualified, who is more qualified to be in congress more than a political science professor?
A guy who trades money for a living? Really?
Re: Roche wants Price to have to run harder
August 26, 2009 - 9:32am — sky5714Good luck, Frank Roche! Too bad the NCGOP has been so pessimistic - but 2010 is looking better all the time.
Just ignore the obvious paid political hacks - if you weren't a serious threat, they'd ignore you.
'Plain Spoken Frank' to bring fresh air to NCGOP
December 11, 2009 - 10:00pm — GiggleBoxBut he just got here! Though I do see the former Vice President of French bank Societe Generale's point about why it's time for a change.
Welcome to North Carolina Frank, and keep the "plain talk" about technological paradigm shifts a'comin'. You'll fit in with the NCGOP just fine.
Re: Roche wants Price to have to run harder
August 25, 2009 - 1:54pm — PaulTerrellPrice does not have Obama's popularity anymore and it is now a easier race to win. I know how Lawson and Roche may feel about the good luck from the state Republicans. Let's hope the GOP leadership wises up and actually tries to win some of these races.
Atleast in my race there may be a primary by the Democrats and a run against Rosa Gill will only be fun. Nothing like running against a appointed candidate who split her party executive committee vote to win by one. With the tide so much against the socialistic nature of the Democratic party we all have a chance to win.
Re: Roche wants Price to have to run harder
August 25, 2009 - 12:05pm — uncertainI wish this guy the best! I will absolutely see what he has to say in terms of certain issues and vote for him IF what he wants to do is in line with what I think is right.
He has only been here 2 years so he hasn't had much time to be tainted by the politics as usual but I'm sure by the time elections are being done he will.
Re: Roche wants Price to have to run harder
August 25, 2009 - 9:07am — captsfufpI hate unopposed races, no matter who the incumbent is. I wish this guy the best of luck (though, y'know, not in actually winning). Our democracy should always allow a choice for the people...
Re: Roche wants Price to have to run harder
August 25, 2009 - 8:27am — cmitchzNever say never. With a little hard work, even David Price might one day have to get a job that he's actually qualified for.
Re: Roche wants Price to have to run harder
August 25, 2009 - 8:03am — ncpoliI hate to be one of those cynics, but this guy does realize that the votes just aren't there, right? I mean, I hope he understands that no matter what he does, this was drawn as a Democratic district... there's no swing here at all.