4.10.06 - Rep. Jim Gulley (R) - Mecklenburg - Endorses Rep. Rhodes

North Mecklenburg, NC. - Today, Representative Jim Gulley (R) Mecklenburg joined the growing list of fellow Republicans giving Rep. John Rhodes (R) Mecklenburg his official endorsement, issuing the following statement:

"Dear Republican Primary Voter;

"I am proud to endorse and wholeheartedly support the re-election of Representative John Rhodes for the District 98 seat he currently holds. For the past four years John Rhodes has been a relentless force for change in the way the North Carolina legislature has conducted business.

"There are many achievements which mark Rep. Rhodes tenure in the State House. I believe the most significant is he exposed the corruption which commandeered our state government. By attacking the root of the problem in our budgetary process, John Rhodes has opened the door for true reform.

"Rhodes pressed the issue for years while media and public learned about the extent of the abuses. While some wish to dismiss the importance of what has occurred, I agree with those who recognize the only method to enact reform to lower taxes, eliminate wasteful spending, build needed roads and improve schools is to have a legislature that conducts business openly, honestly and with complete transparency.

"Rhodes forced the media to focus on budget irregularities causing leadership to allow review of the $17 billon state budget. This lead not only to the charges of corruption against the leadership, but also to the detailed listing of every pork project the House leadership created for its supporters. These projects are what drains our budget of its ability to meet the needs of ours and every other district in the state. Once the pork is systematically eliminated we will have all the funds necessary to build roads and schools, while lowering taxes across the board.

"Rep. John Rhodes not only fought for these lofty goals, he is achieving them. We need to continue to 'fight the good fight' as he explains. No amount of deal making or desire to negotiate legislative votes for district rewards can ever tear down the artificial roadblock born of partisan political greed and corruption.

"We are in the middle of this battle, which can be won, but only if we continue to support Rep. Rhodes - a man with the courage of conviction to pursue corruption, enact reform and secure the Taxpayer Bill of Rights for the taxpayers and families of North Carolina and the 98th House District.

"I urge every primary voter to go to the polls on May 2nd and vote for John Rhodes.

"Thank you,

"Rep. Jim Gulley (R) Mecklenburg"

U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick (R) among other Republican officials offered her official endorsement last week and earlier today Rep. Doug Vinson (R) Mecklenburg and fellow Rhodes colleague offered his support and well wishes in Rep. Rhodes re-election.

Republican primary voters may vote on May 2nd, 2006 at their local precinct for Representative John W. Rhodes.