Making good on a campaign promise, Congressman-elect Richard Hudson’s first 8th District visit after Tuesday’s election was to the annual membership dinner of the Scotland County Farm Bureau in Laurinburg.
“The only campaign promise I made was that if you elect me, you’ll see me again,” Hudson told the nearly 100 Farm Bureau members assembled at Scotland Place Thursday night.
“So here I am. And I’ll be back.”
The 41-year-old Hudson said that his visit should serve as notice of his intention to represent each of the counties in his district with the same interest and intensity. The 8th District runs from Charlotte to Lumberton.
“I’ve got 12 counties in this district and as far as I’m concerned, they’re all equal. If someone calls for help, I won’t ask if they’re Republican or Democrat. My responsibility is to the people of the district,” Hudson said.
Hudson also had a message to the voters who failed to support him in his effort to unseat incumbent Democrat Larry Kissell.
“I hope to earn their trust and respect over the next two years,” the Concord Republican said.
While Hudson said that the reality of his victory had not yet sunk in, he did say that he was already feeling the weight of responsibility that comes with his new office. He will take the oath of office on Jan. 3.
“I was so humbled by the trust that was just placed in me. The weight of that was something I have really been feeling,” Hudson said.
Speaking to the agricultural interests of the Farm Bureau membership, Hudson told the group that agriculture will be a priority for him when he heads to Washington.
Attacking the estate tax as excessive and unnecessary, Hudson said that he would seek to remove the obstacles between rural places like Scotland County and economic success.
Hudson also gave the membership an update on the current Farm Bill, which he said may be extended in the upcoming lame duck session of Congress. If the bill is extended and dealt with after he takes office, Hudson said that he will make sure the needs of his district — which is highly invested in agriculture — are represented.
“I am a very strong advocate for rural America,” Hudson said.
Over the next two months, Hudson said that he will work to assemble his office. It is not yet clear if the new congressman will maintain a full-time office in Rockingham or if he will choose another location.
Hudson also plans to host a town hall meeting in the district, most likely in January.
“I believe a member of Congress needs to be in the community regularly. You’re going to see me here.”
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