Organization Thanks Hayes for Leadership on Issues that Affect Veterans

For Immediate Release
October 8th, 2008
Contact: Steve Quain
704-795-2000

Concord, NC - Today the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America issued their 2008 Congressional Report Card on members of Congress. The annual report card is based on support for a range of issues facing new veterans, including veterans' health care, the new GI Bill, mental health, and support for homeless veterans. You can download the full Report Card by clicking here or viewing Hayes’ profile at http://iava.www.capwiz.com/bio/id/448&lvl=C&chamber=H.

Founded in June 2004, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.

"IAVA Action's 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

"From passing a new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf of America's newest generation of heroes. Over the last two years, Congressman Hayes has demonstrated that he is a great friend to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. IAVA Action is proud to give Congressman Hayes an A and would like to thank him for his leadership on these critical issues."

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For Immediate Release

October 7th, 2008

Contact: Steve Quain

704-795-2000

Hayes Lauded by Veterans Organization for "Strong Support of Veterans"

Concord, NC - Today, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) endorsed Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) is the nation's only major Veterans Service Organization PAC. VFW-PAC represents over 2.2 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries, and their families.

"In addition to comments received from VFW leaders in [North Carolina], our endorsement is based on Congressman Hayes' strong support for veterans, national security/defense, and military personnel issues," said VFW-PAC Director Larry W. Rivers. "VFW-PAC endorses only those candidates for federal office who support our nations' veterans and stand in support of a strong national defense."

Hayes said he would continue working to protect veterans in Congress.

"It is truly an honor to have the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC," said Hayes. "Protecting our veterans is a top priority, and this year I was able to open two new Community-Based Outpatient Clinics that will provide easier access to health care for veterans in the 8th District. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to fight every day to ensure that our men and women in uniform receive the best possible equipment, training and health care benefits that they deserve."

Hayes has also earned endorsements from the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, Veterans for Freedom, the American Golf Star Mothers Association, the POW/MIA Grassroots Association, Vietnam Veterans of North Carolina, the Metrolina Vietnam Veterans Association, the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Right to Life, the North Carolina Troopers Association, Team America PAC, and the National Rifle Association.

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By Lisa Zagaroli
McClatchy Newspapers

Posted: Friday, Oct. 03, 2008

Rep. Robin Hayes sent a letter to the agency that insures consumers' bank deposits Friday asking why it is objecting to a deal between Wachovia and Wells Fargo.

The Concord Republican said he could understand opposition from Citigroup, which had hoped to acquire Wachovia in a deal arranged with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., because "they got a great deal and they want to keep it."

"But for the life of me, I cannot understand why the FDIC would stand in the way of Wachovia entering into an agreement that seems better for their employees, shareholders, customers and the community around them," he said in the letter to FDIC Chairwoman Sheila Bair. "And since FDIC is not part of this merger, it would seem that it's better for the taxpayer as well."

Hayes said a merger of Citigroup and Wachovia announced Monday sounded like a "forced arrangement with FDIC in the middle."

Wachovia surprised Citigroup and just about everyone else with an announcement this morning that it had agreed to merge with Wells Fargo.

Bair said in a statement that it was reviewing "all proposals and working with the primary regulators of all three institutions to pursue a resolution that serves the public interest." She added: "The FDIC stands behind its previously announced agreement with Citigroup."

Rep. Mel Watt, a Charlotte Democrat who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, said he’d gotten few details or calls about the Wells Fargo deal. He said he hoped it would be resolved quickly between the parties without congressional involvement.

"It's hard for me to evaluate it at this point," he said. "That's for the shareholders and the management of Wachovia to evaluate."

Watt said he didn't know enough about how either deal would be structured to determine if taxpayers were more or less at risk with the Wells Fargo deal.

"Obviously there have been substantial intrusions by government in the private market already and we want to avoid as many of those as we can," he said. "We would prefer the private market work these things out without taxpayer exposure. But I don't know that the original plan does expose taxpayers, and I don’t know the new plan doesn't expose taxpayers."

Rep. Sue Myrick, a Charlotte Republican, said early Friday that she was pleased to hear about the Wachovia deal with Wells Fargo.

"It's very good for Wachovia and I think it's good for the region," she said. "I understand it's a much better price. It should help to keep retail banking in Charlotte I think."

Hayes Earns Coveted "A" Rating from Sportsmen and Gun Owners

For Immediate Release
October 1st, 2008
Contact: Steve Quain
704-795-2000

Concord, NC - Today the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund endorsed Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

"On Behalf of our nearly four million members of the National Rifle Association, the NRA Political Victory Fund is proud to endorse Robin Hayes' candidacy for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in the eighth congressional district of North Carolina," said Charles H. Cunningham, Director of Federal Affairs for the NRA Political Victory Fund.

"During his tenure in the House, Robin Hayes consistently supported the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen demonstrating a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and our hunting heritage," said Cunningham. "Based on his solidly pro-gun/pro-hunting voting record in Congress, as well as his responses to our Federal candidate questionnaire, Robin Hayes has earned an 'A' rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF. We urge our members and all other gun owners and sportsmen in the eighth congressional district of North Carolina to vote for Congressman Hayes' reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives."

Hayes said he is 'honored' to have the support of the National Rifle Association.

"I am honored to have the support of an organization devoted to the protection of gun-owners rights and the 2nd Amendment," said Hayes. "This year, we won a major victory when the Supreme Court affirmed that there is a personal right to keep and bear arms for self defense. But there is still more work to be done, and I will continue to work hard in Congress to support the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen."

Hayes has also earned endorsements from the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Right to Life, the North Carolina Troopers Association, the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, Veterans for Freedom, Team America PAC, the American Golf Star Mothers Association, the POW/MIA Grassroots Association, Vietnam Veterans of North Carolina, and the Metrolina Vietnam Veterans Association.

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Stanly News and Press
September 14, 2008

[Click Here for Link to Full Story]

Sunday, September 14, 2008 - WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) sent a letter Friday to the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking the agency to investigate the sudden spike in prices and to identify any wrongdoing.

"I understand there is a substantial hurricane in a sensitive area of the country, but this dramatic spike in gas prices is breathtaking," said Hayes.

"I have sent a letter to the FTC because they need to carefully look at this situation and identify any wrongdoing that may exist.

"This also proves the point that we need production of oil and gas in additional areas of our country so we are not so dependent on one area in the Gulf of Mexico. Lifting the ban on energy production in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts would spread our resources while increasing our domestic supply of oil and gas."

Congressman Hayes sends a letter to the Chairman of the FTC, asking for an investigation on the dramatic increase in gas prices:

"I am deeply concerned about the drastic increase in gasoline prices that are taking place today in North Carolina and the burden it places on consumers who are already plagued with high energy costs.

"As you know, there are two major pipelines that transport gasoline into North Carolina, and the pipelines are based in the Gulf of Mexico. As Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall tonight, North Carolina consumers are experiencing shortages and there are reports of prices increasing by over $1 per gallon in one day.

"The massive increase in gas prices taking place is shocking, and I feel it places an extreme burden on my constituents who already suffer from the high cost of gasoline. I know the impending hurricane is a large threat to our state's gasoline supply, but in my opinion, this dramatic fluctuation of prices is unprecedented.

"Mr. Chairman, I urge you to investigate this matter immediately to determine why these drastic increases in gas prices are happening; to identify any possible wrongdoing; and to see what can be done to give relief to consumers.