Myrick wins eighth U.S. House term by wide margin
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
By: Daniel Jackson

U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick thanked Gaston County for a strong show of support Tuesday night, claiming victory over Charlotte [businessman] Harry Taylor.

As of 10:30 p.m., Myrick, who has represented the 9th House District since 1995, had 61 percent of votes reported by the North Carolina Board of Elections. She received more than 68 percent of the vote in Gaston County.

"That's a blessing and a half," Myrick said. "I'm so thankful to the people of Gaston County. They're good people. I really appreciate the opportunity to serve again."

Myrick also won by large margins in 2004 with 70 percent of the popular vote, and in 2006, winning almost 67 percent of the vote. The first Republican woman to represent the state in Congress, Myrick also served as the first and so far only female mayor of Charlotte from 1987 to 1991.

She said her eighth term would undoubtedly begin with a focus on issues related to the nation's financial and banking crisis.

For the past two years, Myrick said she has been able to work with a Democratic House and she doesn't think that will be a problem for her in her upcoming term in office.

"I've got lots of friends across the aisle," Myrick said. "That's nothing different for me."

You can reach Business Editor Daniel Jackson at 704-869-1833.