Posted Sunday, October 30, 2016 10:10 pm

By Corey Friedman
Wilson Daily Times Editor

Republican congressional candidate H. Powell Dew Jr. brought his David and Goliath metaphor to life by slipping a Holy Land artifact into his opponent’s palm.

When U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield accompanied former President Bill Clinton on a downtown Wilson campaign stop Tuesday, Dew gave the Democratic incumbent a stone from the Valley of Elah, where the book of Samuel says the shepherd boy slayed the Philistine warrior with a stone from his slingshot.

“I gave both G.K. Butterfield and Bill Clinton a rock,” Dew said. “Even though they’re giants, they can easily be taken down.”

The challenger said Butterfield and Clinton accepted the unique gifts and Dew and Butterfield parted with a friendly hug.

“They both received them graciously and it was not meant with malice or ill intent,” Dew said. “It was personally edifying to me to be able to share that rock with them as we continue to face off these last few weeks and finish this on Nov. 8.”

Butterfield and former Gov. Jim Hunt accompanied Clinton on a stroll down Nash Street during an unannounced stop on the former president’s “Stronger Together” bus tour. Clinton shook hands with supporters and posed for pictures while campaigning for his wife, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

A Stantonsburg town councilman and the pastor of Fremont Missionary Baptist Church, Dew said he gathered the stones during a guided tour of biblical sites.

“The Valley of Elah is where David and Goliath met, and at the bottom of that valley is a creek bed,” Dew explained. “A couple years ago when I had a chance to go to Israel, our bus stopped there in the Valley of Elah and I got some small stones from the valley.”

Dew is challenging Butterfield, a Wilson native, for the 1st Congressional District seat he has held since taking office in 2004. Libertarian J.J. Summerell of Greensboro is also in the running.

The 1st Congressional District’s boundaries were redrawn this year following a February court ruling that the district was gerrymandered by race during the Republican-led General Assembly’s 2011 redistricting process, but the district has historically been a Democratic stronghold.

A 2012 Cook Political Report analysis gave the district a partisan voting index of D+17, meaning the average Democrat could expect a 17 percentage-point lead over the average Republican based on historical voting trends.

Butterfield, a six-term congressman, chief deputy Democratic whip and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, holds sweeping advantages in name recognition and fundraising.

Federal Election Commission reports show Butterfield with $637,582 in cash on hand at the end of the second quarter in July. Dew had just $161 in his campaign account, having raised $5,600 and spent $5,438 that quarter.

“This ballot race between me and G.K. Butterfield really is a David vs. Goliath,” Dew said. “He is well-known and well-established, and I’ve just compared it to a David vs. Goliath fight. As I’ve been going to different areas and talking to people, many times people are one-issue voters, and it only takes one issue to change somebody from one person to another candidate.”

A self-described conservative Republican, Dew is campaigning on a platform that includes restricting abortion, limiting marriage to one man and one woman, shifting educational policy from the federal government to the states, preserving the Second Amendment and enforcing immigration laws.

Dew said his presentation of the Holy Land stone to Butterfield and the congressman’s good-natured acceptance of the gift showed that political rivals can remain civil despite their disagreements.

“It’s a friendly competition,” he said. “We’re clearly divided on many issues, but it just is a gesture of saying, ‘It’s a David vs. Goliath race.’”

[email protected] | 252-265-7813

Posted Monday, October 31, 2016 10:40 pm
Wilson Daily Times, Wilson NC

Decision 2016
In the days leading up to Election Day, The Wilson Times is publishing candidate Q&As for each contested local race. Responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

G.K. Butterfield
Age: 69
Education: Bachelor’s degree from N.C. Central University; J.D. from N.C. Central School of Law
Professional background: Attorney, judge and member of Congress
Political background: Seven-term congressman
Family: Three children, three grandchildren.

H. Powell Dew Jr.
Age: 54
Education: B.S. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; master’s and doctorate degrees from Campbell University Divinity School
Professional background: Pastor
Political background: First run for public office
Family: Wife, Sharon; two children, one grandchild

J.J. Summerell
Age: 58
Education: B.A. from Davidson College, master’s degree from Wake Forest University
Professional background: Employee benefits wholesaler
Political background: First run for public office
Family: Wife, Virginia; three children


Compiled by Brie Handgraaf
Wilson Times Staff Writer

Two political newcomers have put their names in the hat to represent the 1st Congressional District with the hope of defeating longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield.

Republican H. Powell Dew Jr., a pastor from Stantonsburg, and Libertarian J.J. Summerell of Greensboro are campaigning for the chance to represent the district at the national level. It is an uphill battle, though, to defeat the 12-year incumbent — so much so that Dew recently compared the fight to David and Goliath in the Bible.

All three candidates recently were given the following questions and limited to responses of 100 words in hopes of swaying the voters to cast a ballot in their favor:

Jobs and the local economy are major priorities for the 1st District. What is your plan to address these concerns?

BUTTERFIELD: Since coming to Congress in 2004, I have been a tireless advocate for eastern North Carolinians. I have used my position to help direct hundreds of millions of federal dollars to benefit the district. I have worked to address the economy in the district by making investments in good-paying jobs, making affordable housing available so that every family has a safe and healthy home to raise their children and providing every child with a quality education regardless of ZIP code. I am very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and I will continue to work for the people I am privileged to represent.

DEW: Without a doubt, people in the district need jobs. After traveling to every county in the district and speaking with many people, the erosion of our manufacturing base has got to be the single most reason for the lack of jobs. Very few things are “Made in America” today. NAFTA has allowed our jobs to go overseas and we have created a hostile business environment that essentially invited our businesses to leave. I believe we need to reduce regulations, streamline the tax code and create an environment where business will want to return to America.

SUMMERELL: My plan for a Basic Income Guarantee would provide an economic environment conducive to industry compatible with the 1st Congressional District’s workforce.

House Bill 2 has a widespread social and economic impact on the state. Is action needed in D.C., and if so, what effort would you support?

BUTTERFIELD: North Carolina’s House Bill 2 is contrary to American values. In May, the U.S. Department of Justice determined that the law violates federal civil rights law and that department is prepared to take enforcement action if the North Carolina General Assembly does not repeal HB2. Although this is a state-mandated law, I have been joined by my colleagues Congresswoman Alma Adams and Congressman David Price in repeatedly calling on the governor to fully repeal HB2. If HB2 is not repealed, our state will continue to lose millions of dollars as well as private-sector businesses and lost tax revenue.

DEW: HB2 has had many unintended consequences! Who would have thought the ACC, NCAA or the NBA would cancel their tournaments in NC as a result of this legislation? In my opinion, the N.C. legislature made the right decision to roll back Charlotte’s ordinance. They made the right decision to restrict the use of bathrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities to individuals based on their sex stated on their birth certificate. Failure to take these steps could have resulted in the invasion of privacy of women and children across this state — with no legal recourse to stop the invasion.

SUMMERELL: No action needed. The Republicans in North Carolina will never do anything that stupid again and the other 49 states have learned from our mistakes. Even D.C. cannot regulate stupidity!

Despite the passing of the Affordable Care Act, many still struggle with medical care. What effort would you be a part of to address this issue and why?

BUTTERFIELD: In 2010, President Obama and the United States Congress acted to repair a broken health care system that left millions of Americans uninsured or financially burdened by the high cost of medical care. The Affordable Care Act is about improving the health of our families and building a healthier America. Under the ACA, states are allowed to expand Medicaid to all non-eligible adults with incomes under 133 percent of the federal poverty level. I support North Carolina’s expansion of Medicaid so fewer individuals are left uncovered. If North Carolina expanded Medicaid, an additional 312,000 uninsured people would gain coverage.

DEW: The ACA was a poorly thought out plan with a naive understanding of how the free-market system really works. Yes, it has helped many people get insurance that was unaffordable at the time. It has helped students stay on their parents’ policy longer. But it has also expanded what was covered, raised deductibles, limited coverage options and forced unnecessary, unwanted benefits on individuals. Today it is unraveling under its own weight. Congress needs to repeal/replace ACA and implement many of the options that were available before this terrible piece of legislation was passed.

SUMMERELL: The BIG would provide funding for those who choose to buy health insurance. A BIG would replace Medicaid and Obamacare.

What is the one goal you are committed to accomplishing if elected and why is that necessary for people in eastern North Carolina?

BUTTERFIELD: Everyone deserves an equal shot at success in America. But, for too many Americans, the American dream seems out of reach. Too many North Carolinians struggle to make ends meet. That is why I am working to expand opportunity to all Americans and ensure lower- and middle-class families have a seat at the decision-making table. In eastern North Carolina, this means a continued focus on creating jobs and raising incomes to ensure hard work is rewarded. We must also make investments to modernize our schools and make college affordable and available to our students.

DEW: The US House of Representatives is the branch of Congress known as the “People’s House.” Its time for the People to step up and reclaim control of the bloated bureaucracy in D.C., set reasonable spending priorities, financially secure Social Security, provide for the common defense and be responsive to the needs of its district. For this to happen, it will require cooperation instead of polarization. I believe after being in D.C. for 12 years, an individual can become so jaded and entrenched that they become ineffective. We need new leadership to bridge the gap to solve today’s problems.

SUMMERELL: Implementing tax simplification (including eliminating the federal income tax on those making under $60,000 per year) and a BIG.

This presidential race has been characterized by polarization and animosity. What needs to be done in the coming term to bridge the gaps in our society that have been recently highlighted?

BUTTERFIELD: It is time for healing in our country. Our next president will need the experience and steadiness to bring Americans together to tackle the big challenges facing the country. Congress must work together and compromise on issues. But this change must start at home. We need the people at home to demand that their representatives work together to get things done.

DEW: Sadly, both parties have adopted a policy of “Win at any cost” attitude. Opponents are degraded and belittled. Important issues are trivialized. Search for common ground for cooperation has been abandoned. In its place, a moral-less vacuum has been created. Decisions are made based on poll numbers. Votes are calculated to speak to the politicians financial base. It is time for individuals who possess biblical knowledge and wisdom to step out of the pulpits and into the political halls. The moral abyss we see today can only be corrected if godly people step up and take on the mantle of leadership.

SUMMERELL: Redistricting reform and campaign finance reform.

Why is this race important to voters in Wilson County?

BUTTERFIELD: The stakes in this election are so high that more people will vote in this election than in any other in our history. We are already seeing high voter turnout in North Carolina. Wilson County will have a strong voice in the kind of country we want to have and the kind of opportunities we want to create for the next generation. Wilson County will also play a large role in the state’s Senate, House and governor’s races.

DEW: The issues that Wilson County faces are the same issues that Durham, Granville, Vance, Warren, Halifax, Edgecombe, Northampton, Martin, Pitt, Washington, Bertie, Martin and Gates counties are facing. This district has been led by a Democratic representative for 133 years. What do we have to show for it? It has been stated this is the fourth-poorest district in America and the poorest district in North Carolina. This means it has the highest unemployment and poverty rate. If ever the 1st District needed a new direction, it is now.

SUMMERELL: Jobs, jobs, jobs.

What final message do you have for the voters of the district?

BUTTERFIELD: It is a privilege to represent my hometown of Wilson and the 1st District in Congress. I remain as eager today as the day I was first elected to develop, support and enact policies that will improve the lives of all North Carolinians. I encourage all Americans to vote and be active in this election process. In North Carolina, you don’t have to wait until Election Day to cast your vote — I urge voters to vote early in-person or by mail.

DEW: There is a vast difference between G.K. Butterfield and H. Powell Dew Jr. To learn how we differ on the issues, please visit www.Vote4Dew.com and go to the tab labeled “Take the Quiz.” This highlights the clear choice our district has between the two candidates. I look forward to serving ALL of the people in the 1st Congressional District in Washington, D.C.

SUMMERELL: The government hurts the economy of the 1st District more than it helps. We need to harness the forces of free minds, free markets and free enterprise to move the district ahead.

[email protected] | 252-265-7821
 

Let's Get Serious!
By H. Powell Dew, Jr.
2016 Republican Candidate for US House of Representatives
North Carolina Congressional District 1
 
August 10, 2016
 
Dear Friends,
 
Today’s political environment has become incredibly confusing for many people.  The daily political news is driven by endless questions about Hillary Clinton’s emails and the latest misstatement by Donald Trump.  It sounds like a kindergarten fight about who is stronger and who is better!   Between Donald Trump’s claims of being able to “Make America Great Again!” and Hillary Clinton’s claim that Donald is “dangerous for America”, the voters today are not hearing the important information they need to make a thoughtful choice for a candidate that can help guide our nation. 
 
Very few of the candidates are talking about the serious issues that our Nation is facing.  If they are, it is in vague phrases and sound bites with only small tidbits of information that may not tell the whole story about what is happening in America and around the world. 
 
Over the next few weeks, I will be posting a series of articles that briefly highlight the issues our nation is facing and possible solutions.  Like many issues that face our nation, they are complex and multifaceted.  When candidates are given time to speak to a group of people, they often only have “ten minutes.”  Most of that time is used to introduce themselves to the group and why they are running.  There is little time to begin covering the important issues.  There is a multitude of issues Congress deals with each year. I have decided this format would be the best way to communicate with those that want to “Get Serious” about how critical many of these issues are and begin the process of finding solutions instead of engaging in the endless gridlock and partisan politics that Washington DC is embroiled in today. 
 
Back in July, I was invited to come to Washington DC and meet with a series of policy experts at the Heritage Foundation.  My visit was an eye opener for me to begin to grasp the depth of the MANY issues our nation faces and how important each one of them is to our countries future.  Over the years, I have been following many of these topics through the usual media outlets but, like many Americans, I was only getting a brief overview of the issue before the newscaster moved on to another topic.  Even those brief overviews were delivered with a biased point of view designed to mold and shape its listeners perspective.  The same set of facts can be seen from two totally different perspectives and have two totally different solutions. 
 
What I want to do in this format is to inform my constituents of the issues our nation is facing. This dialogue may include many facts, tables, or charts.  Some of the solutions that the Heritage Foundation suggests, I can agree with fully.  Other solutions they put forward, I feel are incredibly idealistic but will never come to fruition because of the political divide and the pain those policies may inflict.   
 
The Heritage Foundation has broken down the issues of today into nine different categories.  For the purpose of this series of articles, I will be following those nine different areas to begin my discussion of these topics.  Those nine areas include: 1) the economy, 2) money and the market, 3) regulatory overreach, 4) culture and society, 5) entitlements, 6) constitutionalism, 7) defense, 8) geopolitics and flash points, and 9) foreign affairs. 
 
If you have any questions or concerns as I write about these various topics, I will try and answer or address as many as I possibly can.  You may not agree with the perspective in which I am writing, but let us at least begin the conversation about these important topics.  Like many congregates on a Sunday morning, the preacher may “step on your toes.”  Don’t worry; next week another person will get their “toes stepped on.”  In the end, those words need to be said, even if it did hurt a little bit.  Over the next few weeks, these serious topics may “step on your toes” as well.  But at the end of this series of topics, I hope I have said what needed to be said to help us all, even if it hurt a little. 
 
It is time we “Get Serious!” and get our house in order.  Our community, state, and nation are depending on their representatives to do the work necessary to set us on a path for all people to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  It may be a messy path getting from here to there.  With the right leadership, I believe it can be accomplished. 
 
That is why I am running as the 2016 Republican Candidate for US House of Representatives for the North Carolina District 1.  With God’s help, and your vote, I am ready to go to work for the people of North Eastern North Carolina and help put us on a path that helps us all. 
 
Your Future Congressman,
 
 
H. Powell Dew, Jr.
Stantonsburg, North Carolina