Incumbent politicians who get booted out of office via the ballot box don’t always go quietly. And too often, on the heels of a losing re-election bid, their thoughts are more on the selfish side than putting constituents first.
We were happy to report that was not the case with Congressman Larry Kissell.
Gracious in defeat, Kissell welcomed his victorious opponent to the nation’s capital this week. The man who holds the 8th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representative played host to Congressman-elect Richard Hudson, a Republican from Concord, N.C.
The losing Democrat, instead of political pouting and posturing, was instead dignified, considerate and helpful to the man who will replace him in D.C.
Kissell met with Hudson in his Washington office on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Hudson was Kissell’s guest at a weekly Congressional Prayer Breakfast that Kissell co-chairs with Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert.
Inside the Congressional office, Kissell and Hudson met to discuss issues important to the 8th District. Kissell and staff used the time to update Hudson on the ongoing work of the office.
“I had a great meeting with Richard today,” said Kissell. “For me, being a member of Congress has always been about serving the people back home. My number one concern is making sure they continue to get the absolute best representation and service from their government.
“I’m glad Richard and I got to talk about the issues our people care about, and I appreciate his effort in working with me for a seamless transition. The people of the 8th District deserve the support they have come to expect, and I look forward to continuing to work with Richard in the coming weeks to ensure that happens,” Kissell said.
It was a classy move on Kissell’s part, and he deserves praise for taking the high road — particularly in this season of bitter bipartisan sludge.
Hudson, in turn, was also considerate and thanked Kissell for his efforts to ensure an effective transition for constituents of the 8th District, and for taking time to meet with him.
“I appreciate Congressman Kissell going out of his way to make this a smooth transition,” Hudson said.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Kissell for his years of service to the district, and wish him well in whatever new ventures call his name.
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