Former US rep gains backing for NC GOP chairman

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — A former Republican congressman has gained backing from several fellow politicians in his bid to become state Republican Party chairman. The Charlotte Observer reports that former Rep. Robin Hayes has landed endorsements from Sen. Richard Burr, expected state Senate leader Phil Berger of Rockingham County and incoming state Senate Majority Leader Harry Brown of Onslow County.

The 65-year-old Hayes is one of at least three candidates running to replace Tom Fetzer, who plans to step down next month. Vice chairman Timothy Johnson and former Guilford County GOP chair Marcus Kindley are also running.

Hayes represented the state’s 8th Congressional District for a decade before losing in 2008 to Democrat Larry Kissell.

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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com

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