In a gesture meant to underscore the seriousness of his candidacy for the 11th District Congressional seat, Republican Carl Mumpower announced this morning that he intends to be among the first to officially register for the upcoming race when the filing period begins in Raleigh at noon today, February 11.

"My wife wouldn't let me camp out the night before, but I'll be there when the doors open," said Mumpower with a smile. "When I first announced my intention to run, I did so with every intention of winning this race...and early filing is another way to affirm that goal." Without elaborating, Mumpower alluded to the fact that further "footprints would be evident" in the week ahead throughout the 11th District.

Mumpower is running as an independent Republican with a dedication to "fighting waste and bringing Washington back into focus on our problems and our future."

"I feel that paralysis and careless fiscal policies are undermining the very American Dream that we should be building for our children and grandchildren," said Mumpower. "Yes, I'm a conservative, but – more importantly – I have demonstrated the courage to act independently, to resist the foolishness and excesses of both political parties, and to insist that our government act fairly and responsibly," he continued. "Over the coming months, I'm going to ask folks to join me in that effort."

"Make no mistake: I'm in this to win...and I will do that by mounting a totally different kind of congressional campaign: I'll work harder and smarter than my challengers and I'll do my best to gain the genuine respect of the voters," he concluded. "Unlike someone else I know, I won't say whatever I have to just to get elected."

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