Salisbury Post: Candidate for lieutenant governor visits Salisbury

June 15th, 2012 by Dan Forest - Comments (0)

SALISBURY — Dan Forest, candidate for lieutenant governor, knocked on Rowan County doors Thursday to drum up support in the Republican primary runoff.

Forest said he’s making contact with local people to “let them know I’m here to earn their vote” and remind them about the July 17 runoff.

“I don’t think politicians should be above going door-to-door and shaking hands with people,” he said.

Jonathan Morris, a veteran who lives in western Rowan County, said Forest seems like a “down-to-earth” candidate who cares about people.

Morris couldn’t help canvass neighborhoods with Forest; he uses crutches to get around because of injuries he sustained in Iraq. But he came to the Kmart parking lot in Salisbury, where Forest’s red “Bubba” bus was stationed, to meet the candidate and show his support.

“Dan’s got a heart for veterans,” Morris said. “I’m for people who want to see veterans’ issues come to the forefront. Some people forget us when they get into office.”

Forest, a Raleigh resident, has worked in architecture for 23 years. He was formerly a senior partner and office president with Little Diversified Architectural Consultants.

He faces fellow Republican Tony Gurley, a Wake County commissioner and pharmacist, in the primary runoff.

The winner will compete against Democrat Linda Coleman in the general election on Nov. 6. Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton has chosen to run for governor, leaving his current seat open.

Rowan is the fourth county that Forest, his campaign staffers and volunteers have covered in their door-to-door journey. They started with Yancey, Moore and Wilkes counties, and today they move on to Catawba.

On Thursday, Forest began by driving through the Milford Hills area and walking up to various homes, focusing on registered Republicans. He said he made “robocalls” to the places he planned to visit, but not everyone knew he was coming.

“I have heard of him,” said Bob Glassgow after he shook Forest’s hand. “But I didn’t expect him to walk up my driveway.”

Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.

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