In his latest commercial, Congressman Mike McIntyre explains that he is a strong independent voice who puts Southeastern North Carolina first.

1)      “This congressional race is about Congressman Mike McIntyre’s strong record and service for Southeastern North Carolina compared to that of our opponent.  If our opponent wants to make this race about money, it is important to look at the bottom line — the McIntyre for Congress Campaign account has $842,423.19 compared to his $98,960.13.  That’s 8.5 times the amount that he has.”      

2)      “The majority (58%) of our contributions in this election cycle (2009-2010) have come from individuals all across Southeastern North Carolina.  Our opponent’s most recent report reveals that his campaign is being funded by a majority of donors, not only from outside of the 7^th Congressional District, but also from outside of North Carolina.” 

3)      “In addition, the Congressman is honored to accept the support of folks like the homebuilders, realtors, teachers, farmers, nurses, etc.  Our opponent calls all those that work in these businesses that drive our local economy “special interests”—when they in actuality are the hardworking people of our district.”

U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre has received an award from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and Cape Fear Farm Credit for his work on behalf of agriculture and those who work and live in Rural America. Each year, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and Farm Credit Associations select a member of Congress who has shown tireless dedication to promoting the needs of agriculture. As a senior member and Subcommittee Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman McIntyre has tirelessly worked to ensure that those working in agriculture and living in rural areas receive the support and resources necessary to help them provide for our food and fiber while building better and stronger communities.

The Home Star Jobs Bill would provide rebates to homeowners who install energy-saving products and reduce energy use in their homes.

“This bill is a win for families, a win for our workers, and a win for our national security,” said Congressman McIntyre.  “As we face both economic and energy challenges, this bill would put North Carolinians back to work, lower the monthly expenses for hard-working families, and make our nation more energy independent.”

McIntyre continued, “This bill will re-energize American innovation and help make the investments we need to grow and build our clean energy industries.  This bill will put American workers on jobs installing Made-in-America technology in our homes.  America has been at the forefront of every major technological advancement of the last century, and I know we can become a global leader in the energy that will fuel the 21st century. ”
The bill features two levels of rebates that will help an estimated 3 million American homeowners.  The Silver Star program would provide up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for the installation of proven energy-saving technologies, such as insulation, duct sealing, window and door improvements, air sealing, and advanced water heaters.  The Gold Star program rewards homeowners with up to $8,000 for conducting a comprehensive energy audit and substantially reducing their energy use at home. 

This bill would boost our construction and manufacturing industries in the short term by creating jobs immediately.   More than 90% of the materials and products used in eligible measures are made in the U.S.   In the long run, it will help rebuild the foundation of our economy by encouraging American innovation and entrepreneurship in the growing clean energy industry.

This legislation builds on our previous accomplishments offering tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the Recovery Act.  Through the end of 2010, homeowners can receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of these improvements, up to $1,500.  More information is available at http://www.energysavers.gov/financial

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act has received bipartisan support, and has been endorsed by a broad range of business, labor, environmental, and consumer groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Home Builders.

Today, Representative Mike McIntyre voted to boost the American clean energy economy by creating nearly 170,000 jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and saving American families $9 billion over 10 years. 

The Home Star Jobs Bill would provide rebates to homeowners who install energy-saving products and reduce energy use in their homes.

“This bill is a win for families, a win for our workers, and a win for our national security,” said Congressman McIntyre.  “As we face both economic and energy challenges, this bill would put North Carolinians back to work, lower the monthly expenses for hard-working families, and make our nation more energy independent.”

McIntyre continued, “This bill will re-energize American innovation and help make the investments we need to grow and build our clean energy industries.  This bill will put American workers on jobs installing Made-in-America technology in our homes.  America has been at the forefront of every major technological advancement of the last century, and I know we can become a global leader in the energy that will fuel the 21st century. ”
The bill features two levels of rebates that will help an estimated 3 million American homeowners.  The Silver Star program would provide up-front rebates of up to $3,000 for the installation of proven energy-saving technologies, such as insulation, duct sealing, window and door improvements, air sealing, and advanced water heaters.  The Gold Star program rewards homeowners with up to $8,000 for conducting a comprehensive energy audit and substantially reducing their energy use at home. 

This bill would boost our construction and manufacturing industries in the short term by creating jobs immediately.   More than 90% of the materials and products used in eligible measures are made in the U.S.   In the long run, it will help rebuild the foundation of our economy by encouraging American innovation and entrepreneurship in the growing clean energy industry.

This legislation builds on our previous accomplishments offering tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the Recovery Act.  Through the end of 2010, homeowners can receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of these improvements, up to $1,500.  More information is available at http://www.energysavers.gov/financial

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act has received bipartisan support, and has been endorsed by a broad range of business, labor, environmental, and consumer groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Home Builders.

“Health care reform is needed, but the bill before us is too expensive, does not adequately address rising medical costs and skyrocketing insurance premiums, and tries to do too much too soon.  We simply cannot afford to create a new federal bureaucracy that costs nearly $1 trillion when our national debt is $12 trillion and there is no plan in place to address it.  I will not vote for it. 

“The critical issue facing our nation is jobs.  Citizens, families, and communities all across our region, state, and nation are facing challenging economic times, and we need to do all we can to help get our economy moving again.  Jobs and economic development are the most important issue we face as a nation.  We must work together to create new jobs, help small businesses expand so they can hire, assist with job training,  invest in the next generation of employment opportunities, and provide economic security for our citizens.

“After we help jump start our economy, we should again turn our attention to health care reform – but with a clean slate. We can and should work together to pass targeted health care reform measures that can bring down costs, provide for increased coverage, and not further sink our nation into an endless sea of red ink.”

The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization with 2.6 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “I am honored to be recognized by the American Legion, and I stand with them in working for a strong national security and devotion to our servicemembers and veterans.”

Ben Lee, former Legion Commander of Calabash, North Carolina, presented the award to the Congressman on behalf of the American Legion.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “The challenges facing our region and nation will require dedication and determination to make sure our best days are ahead. I am excited about the opportunity to keep fighting for our families and our future and to keep helping southeastern North Carolina continue to be a great place in which to live.”

McIntyre stated that he will focus on:

• Job creation and small business
• Strengthening economic development
• Strong national defense
• Affordable and accessible health care
• Sound agricultural policy
• Benefits for veterans, military retirees and senior citizens
• Quality schools and affordable higher education
• Beach renourishment and funding for our inlets and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

McIntyre serves in senior positions on both the House Agriculture and Armed Services Committees. He is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Development and is Vice-Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism. McIntyre is also a Senior Whip, has served on the U.S. Naval Academy Board, and is a senior member of the U.S. Commission on Cooperation and Security in Europe.

In addition, McIntyre co-chairs the Special Operations Forces Caucus, the Task Force on Fatherhood, the Congressional Waterways Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports and has chaired a Task Force on Business and Technology.

He has won the top award in Congress over the last few years in several areas, including:

• National Legislator of the Year in recognition of his advocacy and legislative accomplishments for veterans
• All American Hero Award – Legislator of the Year – also for his work on behalf of veterans
• The Admiral’s Circle Award for his work on coastal issues
• The National Leadership Award for his work on economic development
• The “MVP” Award for his leadership on senior citizens’ issues
• The National Rural Health Legislative Award for his work on affordable health care
• The “Legislator of the Year” Award for his leadership on agricultural issues
• Medal of Merit Award from the National Guard Association for his leadership on national defense
• The Christian Statesman of the Year Award

Congressman McIntyre also received the first-ever International Public Policy Award for his efforts on workforce development and job training initiatives.

He and his wife Dee live in their hometown of Lumberton. Their two sons, Joshua and Stephen, both won scholarships to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as undergraduates. Joshua is currently a student at the UNC School of Law, and Stephen is practicing law in Wilmington. Joshua and his wife, Caroline, live in the Chapel Hill area.

MCNC owns and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) to bring high-speed, broadband Internet to our state’s schools, universities, and community-anchor institutions.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “What an incredible victory this is for the citizens of North Carolina! I am grateful that our work over the last year will ensure that dedicated money is available for broadband expansion and improvement in this country. Now, North Carolinians are going to see their tax dollars come home to work for them. Broadband can be the great equalizer in business, education, and healthcare. I commend MCNC for putting forward such a strong application. ”

The $28.2 million infrastructure grant will be matched with an additional $11.7 million in funds and in-kind contributions to build a 494-mile middle-mile broadband network. This network will build new rings in the western and eastern regions of the station, which will connect to 685 miles of existing infrastructure in the urbanized central region, expanding the reach of NCREN. In southeastern North Carolina, MCNC infrastructure will serve the citizens of Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, New Hanover, and Pender counties.

Mike Murphy, Chairman of the MCNC Board of Directors stated, “We were very pleased to learn of the BTOP award to MCNC. The 480 miles of new fiber throughout the western and southeastern part of North Carolina will ensure that our K-12 schools, universities, community colleges, university hospitals and other community anchor institutions (libraries, public health) will have access to unlimited amounts of bandwidth now and into the future. All North Carolinians will benefit from the public/private partnership that created this application.”

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded this funding as part of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Congressman McIntyre is Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development.

Smith’s duties will include coordination of outreach activities, volunteers and campaign strategies throughout the Seventh Congressional District.

Smith is director of the Columbus County Economic Development Commission and previously worked in an economic development role at the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. He is pursuing his Masters of Public Administration from UNC Wilmington.

“Job creation is at the forefront of Congressman McIntyre’s agenda, and I share in his vision,” Smith said. “The campaign position will allow me to expand my work throughout the region, and I am excited about the challenges ahead.”

Congressman McIntyre is Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development. He authored legislation for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, which has passed Congress and become law. The new commission will target resources to projects on a county-by-county level to fight unemployment and poverty.