Jeremy Adams, who finished third in the three-person May 8 primary to choose the Republican who will run for the 6th District seat in the state House, is endorsing Arthur Williams, a Beaufort County resident.

Williams, who finished second in the May 8 primary, faces Mattie Lawson, the top vote-getter in the GOP primary, in a second primary July 17. The winner of the second primary faces Democrat Paul Tine, also of Dare County, in the Nov. 6 general election.

“I think he’s going to be the best case for eastern North Carolina. He has a record of taking care of eastern North Carolina. He’s dedicated to some of the principals of liberty and freedom that we care about, that young people care about,” said Adams, a Dare County resident, Thursday afternoon in the Daily News’ conference room. “I think he’ll do a good job up there. I think could be a good advocate for our area, more so than anyone else who’s still in the running.”

In a news release, Adams stated, “Arthur has served as a legislator, and I view his qualifications and temperament (as far outweighing) those of his primary opponent whom has been especially divisive among the Republican Party.”

Williams said he appreciates Adams’ endorsement.

“Well, I enjoyed running against him,” said Williams, who joined Adams and Ashley Woolard, a Beaufort County resident, in the Daily News’ conference room. “I think he’s on top of the table. I think he ran a very good campaign, a positive campaign, like I try to run. I look forward to working with him. I appreciate his support. I look forward to working for the Republican Party and all the people of this district.”

Lawson sent an email to the Daily News, including her reaction to the endorsement.

“I salute Jeremy’s service to the country in wartime, but am concerned that he may not have lived here long enough to know how truly destructive Arthur Williams’ liberal voting record was in the NC General Assembly while he was a legislator.

Your readers don’t have to take my word for it but merely check out Civitas Actions’ voting rating for Williams at www.civitasaction.org/house/Arthur+Williams/2010/. Williams held this seat as a life-long Democrat when he earned an “F” rating each year for 2008, 2009 and 2010. He consistently failed to support and vote for conservative issues. I am the true conservative in the race and voters who want less burdensome taxes, fewer excessive regulations threatening our existing jobs and the freedom to use their own private property will vote for Mattie Lawson in the July 17th runoff,” Lawson wrote.

Williams declined to provide details on his campaign leading to the second primary.

“Well, I wouldn’t elaborate on it too much,” Williams said. “Ashley’s (Woolard) come on board to help me and support me. … We’re going to try to put our heads together and try to run a good campaign and win this thing.”

Woolard, a former Republican congressional candidate in the state’s 1st Congressional District, explained his support for Williams.

“I’ve known Arthur from our days back in Rotary club. We’ve cooked pigs together and this sort of thing. You know, like most people, I was a little bit concerned when he switched parties, but after sitting down with him and discussing the issues, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s the only candidate in this race who can beat Paul Tine in November. That’s my opinion. I think Mattie’s a fine lady, but I just don’t think she can win the general election,” Woolard said. “We worked too hard to make that a Republican seat two years ago, and we want to keep it in Republican hands.”

Williams switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party last year.