Goss, Tarleton to Return to Raleigh for Second Terms

By Ron Fitzwater

Two of the most closely watched races by Ashe County voters were those of the North Carolina 45th

Senatorial District and the 93rd House of Representatives District.

In both races, the incumbents won reelection to their seats. Senator Steve Goss won a resounding victory over challenger Jerry Butler with 54 percent in the district, 66 percent in Ashe County.

"I am certainly appreciative of all the support I received from the folks of Ashe and Watauga Counties and across the district. We feel good about the mandate we have been given to go and do our best for another two years for our people," Goss said.

As far as his first order of business upon returning as a sophomore senator, Goss said he would certainly work on behalf of the district and the state. "The important thing to me is doing the best job possible and it begins with education and job creation. That is extremely important to me because in the past 20 years we have seen too many jobs disappear from counties across the district and many of them have gone overseas. We have to be vigilant and as we move forward we have to make sure that our workforce is prepared for the 21st century economy."

Tarleton reached victory in a somewhat closer race, but still earned 51 percent of the district vote (49 percent in Ashe Couty). Republican challenger Dan Soucek received 44 percent in the district (47 percent in Ashe County) and Libertarian candidate Jeff Cannon receiving only four percent of the district vote (four percent in Ashe County).

Tarleton was appreciative to all those who helped him win a second term in the N.C. House.

"I am excited and very pleased and grateful to the voters of the district for the confidence that they placed in my by electing me to another two year term."

Through the evening. the race between Tarleton and Soucek was close at times. but Tarleton said he maintained his optimism that he would win.

"There were some times when I was a bit apprehensive but I always felt that we had worked hard and that the voters would be able to see through some of the negative radio ads that were being run against me and realize that they know me and know the kind of job that I was doing and that they had enough confidence to send me back and I am grateful."

Tarleton said that in returning to Raleigh. he will again face the continuing issues surrounding the economy, education, jobs and access to health care. among several others.

"I have already had some conversations with the speaker and will have more as the weeks move along. Mainly, I want to be involved with the issues that will have a positive impact on the people of the district and across the state."