West calls on his connection to district in bid for House seat

May 17—THOMASVILLE — With the precincts open for voting less than a week for the general primary, U.S. House 2nd District candidate Chris West said the run-up to the final days has been "very encouraging."

West, a Thomasville Republican, is part of a crowded field running for the Republican nomination to take on incumbent Sanford Bishop (D-Albany) in November.

A re-drawn district has put Thomas County in the 2nd — and West believes the district can swing to a Republican.

"I think we're seeing people across the district want someone who is from here, who is connected to the district," he said, "that people are seeing that's what it's going to take to beat Sanford Bishop, someone who's from here, not having moved to the state in the last couple of months. So we're experiencing a lot of momentum."

West, born and raised in Thomasville, is one of six Republicans running for the nomination. He said his lifelong connection to the district should be a factor in differentiating him from the rest of the candidates.

"I think the biggest factor is that I am a strong conservative with a proven track record and the fact that I am born, raised, live and work in the district," he said. "We've had three (candidates) move in from out of state, one from California, one from Connecticut. That's not going to be the successful route in beating Sanford Bishop, having moved to the district in the last 10 or 12 weeks.

"It's having a Thomasville native, somebody who has created jobs all throughout the district," West added. "My wife has been a teacher in the Thomas and Grady school systems. We are heavily invested in this community and care about our families and business. That's what sets us apart from the field."

West also pointed to his background in agriculture — his first job was at Piney Woods Farms — and the support he's received from more than 100 farmers in the district.

He's also buoyed by the early voting turnout in the Republican primary and believes voters are upset with rising inflation and rising gas prices.

"Folks are tired of paying $4 a gallon for gas and having inflation at record levels," he said. "It's hurting our businesses, it's hurting our families, it's hurting our farms. That's why I think you're going to see a red wave in November."

West has touted the backing he's received from local legislators.

"It's because they know us," he said. "They have taken a look at the race and they know I'm the guy who's from here, who has a record of being a strong conservative and has created a lot of jobs in southwest Georgia. It's truly humbling to have them put their reputation next to mine."

But he also urged Republican voters to assess who the real conservatives are among the field. West charged that fellow GOP hopeful Jeremy Hunt is getting support from Washington, D.C., insiders and people who have donated to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming).

West also said he has refused to take money from Washington, D.C.-based political action committees.

"I am going to be loyal to the folks in this district," he said. "Our voters, from what I'm seeing, don't want a Mitt Romney from southwest Georgia, and that's why they're getting behind our campaign."