To the Editor,

Unless you’ve been in a hole the past several weeks, you’ve seen David Rouzer’s campaign air countless negative advertisements about U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre. In lieu of retaliating, I’d like to offer positive thoughts on my friend, Congressman Mike McIntyre.

McIntyre’s awards and endorsements reflect his core values. He’s endorsed by the NRA, National Right to Life Committee, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Federation of Independent Business. In acknowledgment of McIntyre’s 100 percent pro-life and pro-family voting record, Dr. James Dobson twice presented him with the “Focus on the Family Award.” His work to protect Social Security and Medicare has also earned him several recognitions, including the “MVP” Award from the Senior Citizens League.

If re-elected, he’s poised to move up to the No. 2 ranking position on the House Agricultural Committee and the No. 3 ranking position in the House Armed Services Committee. North Carolina needs these positions in order to secure financial assistance in these crucial areas that affect our state so strongly. If McIntyre is not re-elected, Eastern North Carolina will go to the back of the line — behind over 50 other congressional districts — and be stripped of its current seniority and ability to formatively influence agriculture and military policy. Before buying into the false negative ads on television, look into Congressman McIntyre’s voting record and see for yourself that he votes on principal and not by party. He is pro-business, pro-agriculture, pro-defense, pro-life, and pro-family.

Christopher Barnes

Smithfield