8th Congressional District Candidates Focused On Creating Jobs

Robin Hayes

is hoping to return to Washington for a third term, but he faces some tight competition in the race to represent North Carolina's 8th District.

Hayes faces stiff competition from newcomer

Chris Kouri

, a Democrat. Libertarian

Mark Johnson

is also running. All three candidates are focusing on jobs.

"Winning the War on Terrorism is vital to our economy," Hayes said. He said the two work hand-in-hand.

To recruit new business in the district, the Concord businessman said he is working to bring rural areas up to speed.

"Working hard to improve our roads, airports, providing water and sewer so all the pieces are in place to attract industry," Hayes said.

The 57-year-old's main competitor is just 32. "I felt like I could do more to serve the people," said Kouri, a Charlotte attorney. Kouri has three proposals to create jobs. The first is to try and fill vacant mills and factories.

"I think we should use tax incentives to entice companies and use the facilities. Secondly, we should look to new infrastructure with targeted grants for the construction of broadband Internet, telecommunications construction."

Kouri also supports no-interest government loans to help small businesses expand.

Libertarian Mark Johnson, of Harrisburg, believes there is too much government. The data communications consultant is using his

Web site

to promote jobs and liberty.

The 8th District, which stretches from western Cumberland County to east Charlotte, has drawn attention from national parties as they battle for control of Congress. The district has been targeted since it had an open seat in 1998.