"Freedom Fries" Booster In Primary Fight

GOP Rep. Walter Jones Changed Stance On Iraq War, And Now Faces Challenge In N.C. District

(AP)  The walls at Cubbie's diner used to be plastered with pictures, stickers and campaign signs for Rep. Walter Jones, who championed the eatery's idea to serve up “freedom fries” in the days before the start of the Iraq war.

But the Republican soured on the war soon after it started, and now there's a new banner hanging above the grill: Joe McLaughlin for Congress.

“Walter abandoned us,” said Cubbie's owner Neal Rowland. “Walter hopped on the bandwagon. But when the heat got turned up, he hopped off.”

The diner's decision to support Jones' opponent in next week's primary reflects growing discord with the seven-term congressman in this coastal North Carolina district, home to the Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune and other bases. Though many Americans agree with his position, Jones represents a district where his anti-war stance could cost him his job.

Last year, Jones was one of a handful of Republican congressmen to vote in favor of a timetable for troop withdrawals. One of the others - Maryland Rep. Wayne Gilchrest - lost his primary in February to a challenger who said the vote showed a lack of support for the troops.

Jones solidified his stance as a war supporter five years ago, when Cubbie's served up the first hot batch of “freedom fries” as symbolic protest to France's opposition to the war in Iraq. Inspired, Jones pushed for “freedom fries” and “freedom toast” in the U.S. House cafeteria, too.

Jones' views on the war changed soon after, as he began sending condolence letters to the families of every American service member killed in Iraq. His increasing anti-war efforts over the past two years have placed him further at odds with the Republican Party. He wrote to President Bush to oppose the 2007 boost in troop levels and was one of two GOP congressmen to vote against the administration's terrorist surveillance program.

“We are in our sixth year of a war that Rumsfeld and his advisers thought would be a three- to six-month war,” Jones said. “Any war strategy has to have an end point. You've got to have a definition of victory.”

His opponent, McLaughlin, took notice. A former Army officer at Fort Bragg and county commissioner in the community that surrounds Camp Lejeune, he has already raised twice as much as Jones' 2006 general election challenger, a local television meteorologist with no previous political experience. As McLaughlin campaigned door-to-door near the Marine base, he found the war was usually the first issue to come up.

“Our Marines and sailors are fighting for a noble cause and he doesn't get it,” McLaughlin told Terri Aubuchon, a Republican small business owner he met while canvassing recently. They talked about Jones' desire to withdraw American forces from Iraq.

“If we pull out there will be chaos there and chaos eventually here. You've got to find a way to get out of it and leave it better than you found it,” Aubuchon said. “It is always going to be an issue. There are so many people that hate us.”

Jonathan Morris, who teaches political science at East Carolina University, said lawmakers who cross party lines on divisive issues often face strong primary challenges.

“There's no issue that's more divisive right now than Iraq,” Morris said. “Walter Jones crossed the (party) line. And I'm sure when he did it, he knew there was going to be a fallout. He had to know that he would have some primary opposition.”

The challenger who beat Gilchrest in Maryland did so in part by spending $1.2 million, compared to the roughly $100,000 McLaughlin has spent on his campaign. Jones has outspent McLaughlin by about 6-to-1, and Morris thinks he should be favored to keep his seat.

Jones, who switched to the GOP in 1993 after losing a race for the neighboring House seat his father held for 26 years, has always been a safe incumbent. He had no primary challenger in 2006, and his margin of victory in the 2006 general election was 38 percentage points.

Despite his opposition to the war, Jones retains some strong military support in his district, particularly among retired Marines and other veterans.

Jones' grandfather was wounded in a gas attack in World War I and his family had to sue to get his veteran benefits, a bitter fight that still motivates him. He was instrumental in opening three veterans health clinics in 2004, a move that reduced the 100-mile trip vets had to take previously for care.

“A lot of guys that are against Walter haven't been in the fight for vets,” said Joe McCammond, a 61-year-old veteran from Morehead City who served 27 years in the Army and the Marines.

Jones is one of only four members of North Carolina's 13-member House delegation to face a challenge in the state's May 6 primary. Incumbent GOP Rep. Sue Myrick, of Charlotte, faces Jack Stratton, of Gastonia; Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry, of Cherryville, faces Lance Sigmon, of Newton; and Democratic Rep. Brad Miller, of Raleigh, faces Derald Hafner, of Franklinton.

Among those uncontested in the primary are former Congressional Black Caucus head Mel Watt and freshman Heath Shuler, an ex-NFL quarterback who knocked off an eight-term incumbent in 2006.

[kansas1946]

The diner''s decision to support Jones'' opponent in next week''s primary reflects growing discord with the seven-term congressman in this coastal North Carolina district, home to the Marine Corps'' Camp Lejeune and other bases. Though many Americans agree with his position, Jones represents a district where his anti-war stance could cost him his job.
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Oh, that would figure. Anyone in their right mind knows that Bush lied to get us into this war, did not properly equip our soldiers or send enough man power to protect them, doesn''t take care of them when they are injured, tries to cover up the suicide rate of soldiers, extends their rotations beyond sane limts. But because this senator cares about our troops and knows they need to be out of there, but brain dead voters in NC will probably kick him out of office.

NC only wants corrupt liars in office, like our president.

[libra127]

Jane Fonda, Patty Hearst...

Posted by BLKPRESIDENT at 10:05 AM : May 02, 2008

Gee, I wonder what Patty Hearst has to do with OBAMA SUPPORTER Hanoi Jane ? LOL

[sharednotion]

I felt all along that it was silly to call French fries (or, french fries) by some alternative name simply because, prior to the invasion of Iraq, the French government had a difference of opinion on the matter and therefore would be willing to cast its vote on the U.N. Security Council against any proposed U.N. resolution in support of invasion. Isn''t that the reason WHY we have MORE than one permanent memember on the Security Council (and more than one non-permanent member)? So as to bring together the differing perspectives of different nations? I never saw the French position as being in any way anti-American. (And incidentally, if you didn''t want to ask for "French" fries, you could always say, "...and, I''ll have an order of fries with my burger.")

[blkpresident]

Jane Fonda, Patty Hearst and Hillary Clinton...

The words "freedom fries" always reminded me of how idiotic people can get - mistaking idiocy for patriotism does not make you any more American.

I''d boycott Cubbies just on principal.

[grumpas]

I don''t know about anyone else but I always order ''French Fries'' in a restaurant! I don''t bother with the ''fascist fries'' the Republican''s tried to ram down our throats. There was nothing ''freedom'' about them!

[dinkydog1]

Rowland, Walter abandon you because you are an idiot. I don''t support Jones either , but not because he''s against this usless war. Now that it''s been proven this war was based on lies and the French were wright I suggest you rename you potatoes Jack A$$ fries after all those out there who still support Bush. Also, please stay away from these interviews, your making all in North Carolina look like idiots.

[mcvet]

Americans are winners, and don''''t like the QUITTER agenda of the DUMBOCRATS. Even Hillary sees that! Osama sees nothing, not even his ranting racist pastor of 20 years. Both Osama and his racist wife are liars, and America is beginning to see them for what they are.


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Posted by RingADing3 at 11:52 PM : May 01, 2008
+ report abuse

We "Won" five years ago STUPID!! Did you miss the landing on the Aircraft Carrier and the Mission Accomplished Sign? What is victory in Iraq People? Can ANYONE tell me what that is? We were LIED into an INVASION of a nation. We were LIED into trying to "give" that nation our form of Government. They have pretty much told us to "Stick it" and here we are.... THEY, the people of Iraq, LIVE there and aren''t going to leave. Guess that really puts it all in prospective huh?? Sieg Heil Bush

[omnibus66]

The collective intelligence of North Carolina voters must surely be impressive. A superior education system coupled with a progressive social agenda always produces a conscientiously informed electorate.

And they all watch Fox News.

[fibonacci_]

"freedom fries" - Americans are so jingoistic.

[ermarhick-2009]

RingADing3-
A shining example of how entities such as Fox "News" and people such as Bill O''Reilly have managed to bring the level of debate down to the kindergarten stage.
You are exactly what neo-cons, theo-cons, and conservatives desperately need-
someone almost completely devoid of critical thinking,
who has unwavering loyalty to anything American,
and someone who can''t see past the tip of their nose when lies and propaganda are spoon-fed to them.
We not only need change, we are desperate for it !!!

[omded]

Hey RingaDing3!
You love to win just so long as someone else has to spill their blood, right? Yeah, you''re a winner. You''re determined you''re going to win this war GAME. Meanwhile, our soldiers are the unfortunate losers. Over 4000 of them have lost their LIVES. Thousands more have lost their ARMS, LEGS, EYES, SANITY...Is this war just a game to you? Do you really care about the soldiers? Now I''ll bet you''re going to get back on the board and tell everyone you''re a retired soldier yourself. You''ll say you love soldiers. You''ll say you ARE a soldier. All you are is stupid, uncaring, and ignorant. You still want to win? Pick up a gun and go fight it yourself! Bring my brothers and sisters home!

[brianbwb-2009]

%u201COur Marines and sailors are fighting for a noble cause and he doesn''t get it,%u201D McLaughlin told Terri Aubuchon..."

But even this warmonger cannot state what the "cause" actually is, nor why it is "noble".

%u201CIf we pull out there will be chaos there and chaos eventually here. You''ve got to find a way to get out of it and leave it better than you found it,%u201D

So bombing, kidnapping, murdering torturing, and stealing their oil will leave them better off?

Aubuchon said. %u201CIt is always going to be an issue. There are so many people that hate us.%u201D

And they have good reason, and all the bullets in the US arsenal will not change that.

[apprxam]

Rep. Jones should be forced to work McDonalds for the same amount of time he spent in congress blocking fair wages for American workers, at McDonalds amoung other places. "Fredom Fries" was marketing, something this administration does very than governing. MBA president and failed oilman. Crook/businessman vice president. Not a governing bone in their bodies.

[apprxam]

RingAding...foxnews, right? What a ******* statement and position. How long are you willing to waste American lives amd money to fight your losing war? You and your "freedom fries" singing monkeys in the RepubilCon party are drunk traitors.

[ringading3]

Americans are winners, and don''t like the QUITTER agenda of the DUMBOCRATS. Even Hillary sees that! Osama sees nothing, not even his ranting racist pastor of 20 years. Both Osama and his racist wife are liars, and America is beginning to see them for what they are.

[closethippy1]

Posted by cdfoxtrot at 10:00 PM : May 01, 2008

I have a CD titled Foxtrot. Are we talking about the same thing?

[cdfoxtrot]

I was wondering what idiot dreamed up the concept of "freedom fries". Now I know.

[closethippy1]

Posted by GCE65 at 07:36 PM : May 01, 2008

Great post! Thank you so much for it. I knew I''m doing something right when I smoke my weed. It not only protects me from aging cells but it has made of me an extremely handsome man!

[antoniof123]

Hey neo cons here is a little history for you.

In 1954 the Republicans lost control of congress because of Joseph MaCarthy and my father a Republican never voted for a Senate or House Republican again. The reason is the Republicans refused to stop MaCarthy and they did not hold power until the next generation you know the old one died out. Must be a reason. Of course he always tried to tell me don''t let them have too much power but I didn''t listen. Well guess what I agreed and I am teach my children to think for themselves and get away from you idiots.

Now Joseph MaCarthy was just a Senator and it cost the neo con party 40 years how long do you think a President will cost them.

Please take you time for I know that you are idiots and can''t think very well but just image how angry I am to have been betrayed. So don''t worry you will be able to tell your grandchildren that when you the story of when you had power because it is over.

Good night and good luck.