Snyder ponders Kissell challenge

John Snyder, the state's youngest district attorney, is considering challenging Democratic Rep. Larry Kissell next year.

Snyder said he has been talking to Republicans around the district about running for the 8th congressional district seat, Rob Christensen reports. He said he plans to make up his mind over the next 30 to 45 days.

"I've lived or worked in the district pretty much all of my life," Snyder said. "I know the people who live here and their struggles."

Kissell was elected in November, unseating Republican Robin Hayes.

Hayes, a former GOP nominee and an heir to the Cannon towel fortune, has not decided whether he will seek his old seat. Snyder said he would not run if Hayes does.

Snyder said Kissell's vote for the stimulus bill could be a campaign issue.

Snyder is a former aide to Sen. Jesse Helms. He was elected district attorney for the Union County district in 2006.

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Re: Snyder ponders Kissell challenge

Submitted by MattM on February 19, 2009 - 6:26pm.

A randomly selected housewife in the phonebook would be a better representative than Kissell.

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Re: Snyder ponders Kissell challenge

Submitted by nc_teacher38 on February 19, 2009 - 2:50pm.

The 8th district needs to be represented by someone who has been a true part of it for several years and knows the challenges it faces, Snyder is that person. He is not only the District Attorney for Union County but also someone who has been a part of it for years, went to school there, worked there, and is raising his family there.

It is easy to see that Snyder is one who works to make situations better...and he will do the same to help the 8th district improve and get the things it needs due to its new amounts of growth.

I would be proud to have a representative such as Snyder in Congress, working to be the true representative people need.

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Re: Snyder ponders Kissell challenge

Submitted by Goodgovfan on February 19, 2009 - 12:30pm.

Representatives Mel Watt, Sue Myrick and Walter Jones have all been elected to represent districts in which they did not reside. Until the last reapportionment all of Union County was in the 8th District. The next census numbers may well shift the boundaries back. Snyder has lived and/or worked inside the existing district for almost 20 years.

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Re: Snyder ponders Kissell challenge

Submitted by mdougyr on February 18, 2009 - 11:50pm.

Robinson not living in districts where he ran for Congress could be considered a liability due to his losses in them. Obviously, his losses were not just a result of where he resided. Does anyone know of a North Carolina Congressman who was elected to represent a district where he or she didn't live?

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Snyder ponders Kissell challenge! Think Twice Dude!

Submitted by ConMax on February 18, 2009 - 9:37pm.

John Snyder, the state's youngest district attorney, is considering challenging Democratic Rep. Larry Kissell next year*N&O

We just might be looking at the first and youngest DA in North Carolina History to commite political sucide in front of Krogers during the coming food riots and bank runs. His chances are slim and none. The first he needs to do is get rid of that BMW from South Carolina and buy a American bike.

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