Candidate Access 2006 offered each candidate up to five minutes to make a special appeal to voters. Views and comments expressed by the candidates are their own and should not be considered an endorsement by the television stations.

Hello, my name is Richard Carsner and I’m the Democratic candidate for the United States Congress in the 10th District of North Carolina.

I live in Hickory, North Carolina and I am proud and happy to have lived and worked in the 10th District for over 25 years. I’m 58 Years old, I’ve worked for the Catawba County Schools for over 17 yrs, and before that I ran a restaurant for eight years.

I’m married, with 4 Adult Children. My wife Betty Jo is a retired teacher who worked for the Catawba County school system for over 32 years. I am a Veteran of the United States Army, and served on active duty from 1972 to 1974. I am also an Eagle Scout.

I believe this Nation is at a Crossroads and we are headed down the wrong path. I think we all agree, it’s time to put America and the American people FIRST. It’s time to use common sense, compassion, and integrity to provide solutions and move forward.

Over the past few years, this area has lost too many Jobs to foreign competition and we now have our largest trade deficits ever. Let’s create a level playing field and bring jobs back to the 10th District.

Let’s take a hard look at the trade agreements that have hurt American Business and rescind or renegotiate the NAFTA, CAFTA and GATT Treaties.

Let’s make Social Security Secure for future Generations, not by draining the current program through Private Accounts, but by making common sense changes to insure its long-term survival.

Our country’s future lies in the health and education of our children. We have got to provide excellent Education for our Youth, without unfunded mandates from federal government.

Providing Affordable Health Care for all Americans is a must. And we have got to make sure our Veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and their families receive the Healthcare and Benefits they were promised, without Benefits cuts, added co-pays or premiums.

The security of our nation is tied to a Strong Military AND Energy Independence. Our Dependence on Foreign Oil allows Foreign Countries to dictate our Foreign Policy and holds us hostage. Let’s commit this Nation to Energy Independence.

We can build a New Industry in this Country and create 1000’s of good paying Jobs by switching to alternative forms of Energy. We can become Conservation minded, and keep our DOLLARS at home, instead of sending them to Arab Nations.

The War in Iraq deserves a swift conclusion that insures stability in the Middle East. Let’s be creative in our plans and firm in our actions.

We must face our growing national debt. In 2001, we had a budget Surplus of over $262 Billion dollars. We now have the largest budget deficit in history. The National Debt is over $9 Trillion dollars. Our government pays interest on the debt of over 350 Billion dollars each year, or about $44,000 per second.

Let’s get Spending under Control and balance the Budget to protect the future of this Nation, our Children, and our Grandchildren.

Let’s also protect the Constitutional Rights and Freedoms, our forefathers and veterans have fought for. Let’s be Honest and have real Integrity in Government. Let’s have Compassion for those who in are need and require accountability from everyone.

There has been a lack of vision and leadership for moving this Nation forward into the Future. Instead of using scare tactics, let’s provide real security to the American people through our God given ingenuity and determination.

It’s time to elect leaders who will work together on the issues, to do what’s right for America.

I will be a Representative who is Accessible and in touch. You can contact me at www.CARSNER.com. I will work hard for all the people of the 10th District. I will provide the Integrity and Honesty you deserve from the person you elect to Represent the 10th District.

The Future is in your hands and it’s time for Change.

I ask for your support, your trust, and your Vote on November 7th.

THANK YOU and GOD BLESS.