Congressional candidate Lou Huddleston believes in a common sense approach to politics. Running for the 8th Congressional District seat against incumbent Larry Kissell, Huddleston accentuated his no nonsense message Monday night before members of the Scotland County Republican Party when he shared aspects of his political philosophy in a half hour presentation.

"One rule on being a good politician is this: never lose sight of the meaning of the word 'representative'," he told the 30 in attendance. "The word doesn't mean I am representing myself, it means I am representing you."

A retired Army colonel with a 31 year military career, Huddleston said that voters deserve someone who appreciates how Washington works.

"I have worked for Colin Powell three separate times, and there are not too many bureaus or departments I haven't been involved in," he said. "Combined with my business experience, I have a lot to offer North Carolinians who want a leader in Congress who will bring federal, state and local governments together."

Huddleston asked the group if Kissell represented them or the "liberal agenda" in Washington.

"Larry Kissell is a good man, but things have gotten worse, not better, since he took office. Does he represent you? Kissell has voted 96.3 percent of the time with the liberal Democratic agenda. For the other four percent, he knows that if he doesn't vote the right way you will fire him."

Huddleston was introduced to the group by Lee Francis, treasurer of the Young Republicans in Fayetteville and a former liaison to the Huddleston campaign. Francis is currently a student at St. Andrews College.

"Mr. Huddleston is a strong worker for the people," Francis said. "I've worked for a number of politicians, but I've never seen anyone who stands out, who tells it like it is, to the degree of Lou Huddleston."

John Carpenter of Laurinburg praised Huddleston's appearance after the meeting.

"He's sharp," Carpenter said. "I liked what he said, and the fact that he already knows his way around Washington."

HUddleston assured the audience that he would maintain the utmost integrity should he be elected to office.

"George Washington said that the people can recall a representative at any time," Huddleston said. "I will never put you in a situation for you to recall me."