Harold Johnson Reaches ‘Contender’ Status
North Carolina Republican Takes Critical Second Step in ‘Young Guns’ Program
Washington– The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that veteran and trusted former broadcast journalist Harold Johnson (NC-08) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program. Johnson now faces a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to represent North Carolina’s Eighth Congressional District. His opponent is incumbent Democrat Larry Kissell, who rubber-stamped his party’s failed trillion-dollar stimulus flop with no jobs to show for it.
Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Johnson has already proven his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.
“Harold Johnson has already proven that he will be a formidable candidate by meeting the Young Guns program’s rigorous goals and is well on his way to building a winning campaign that will put this seat back in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Harold is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. The successes of his campaign have put congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”
Johnson has been a North Carolina resident since 1958 and is deeply rooted in the state’s values and culture. Johnson began his service to this country as Marine Corps rifleman and was honorably discharged. After graduating from Lenior Rhyne University with a Degree in Economics, Johnson spent over thirty years as an award-winning broadcast journalist on Charlotte-area TV and radio stations. His campaign has been endorsed by former North Carolina Govs. Jim Martin and James Holshouser, former U.S. Reps. Robin Hayes and Cass Ballenger; 2010 8th District Republican primary candidates Lou Huddleston, Hal Jordan and Darrell Day; and NASCAR Champion Darrell Waltrip.
Harold Johnson now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.
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