Two candidates have now signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in their bid to secure the Republican nomination and challenge North Carolina’s 8th Congressional district incumbent Congressman Kissell (D). Ex-Iredell County Commissioner Scott Keadle and business consultant Richard Hudson have both taken the Pledge.
Other announced candidates for the Republican nomination include Weddington Town Councilman Dan Barry, Ex-Winston-Salem City Councilman Vernon Robinson, and surgeon John Whitley.
According to the Cook Political Report, because of 2012 redistricting, this district is rated as lean Republican. Although Rep. Kissell won his 2010 race with 53% of the vote, many of the heavily democratic neighborhoods have been drawn out of the district. The incumbent Kissell will face a tough reelection in a district drawn to favor Republicans.
By signing the Pledge, Hudson commits to the taxpayers of North Carolina that he will “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses … and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.”