By Staff
Seeking to return
conservative values
to the nation’s capital
By CLAUD HODGES
Senior Reporter
A Republican seeking to wrest North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District seat from incumbent Rep. Walter B. Jones, a fellow Republican and Farmville resident, brought his campaign to Beaufort County on Thursday.
Part of Beaufort County is in that district. The remaining part of the county is in the 1st Congressional District, which is represented by G.K. Butterfield, a Democrat.
Jacksonville resident Joe McLaughlin spoke to the Beaufort County Republican Men’s Club, telling the members why he’s challenging Jones in the Republican primary.
He pledged never to vote for a tax increase. He vowed to fight to lower taxes.
McLaughlin said he is firm when it comes to stemming the flow of illegal immigrants entering the United States. He said securing the country’s borders is a top priority with him.
McLaughlin said he will never vote for a quick way that would allow illegal immigrants to gain U.S. citizenship.
The candidate said he opposes terrorism from all sources. McLaughlin said he will stand strong in the war on terror and make sure battles in that war never return to the country’s soil.
McLaughlin said he believes in traditional values and will support legislation that preserves and protects the sanctity of life and marriage.
McLaughlin said he believes in the right to bear arms. The candidate said he will never support limitations on gun ownership for law-abiding citizens of the United States.
McLaughlin, a financial planner, is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a retired Army officer and a former Onslow County commissioner.