Pete Benton

Why I Am Running

   As an Air Force officer, it was always my duty to be ready to fight for my country and its way of life, a duty I accepted readily. After retiring from the military, I felt just as strongly about the importance of fighting for America and its principles. The country we have is just too precious to let it slip away from us.

   I got the opportunity to engage in politics as a frequent surrogate speaker for Congressman Walter Jones over several election cycles, ran for and was elected a town councilman, and was elected to positions in the Republican Party at the county, district, and state level. Through all of these experiences, I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with rank and file voters of eastern North Carolina about their concerns on where our country and state were heading.

   What I found was a deep concern about the radical tendencies of our current Democrat Party and their socialist agenda. I also heard many concerns that we had too many politicians in our own party who talk a good game at election time but don't really put up a fight against leftwing policy in Raleigh or Washington. They want leaders who will actually stand up and fight for Republican principles.

   I am not running to be just another go-along get-along politician. I am running to be a fighter for conservative principles; someone who will pay very close attention to the issues and stand up and be counted when we vote on legislation. I know that sometimes part of that battle will be convincing other members of my own party to stand strong on principle, and I accept that challenge.