Campaign News
U.S. 5th District race: Incumbent stands on record; challenger says Congress not workingBy: Record Staff
Hickory Daily Record November 1, 2012 The 5th Congressional District is a sprawling district that includes Boone, Mt. Airy, Winston-Salem and a chunk of Catawba County. US Rep. Virginia Foxx is the incumbent. She was elected in 2004. Prior to that, she served in the NC Senate for 10 years. Elisabeth Motsinger is the Democratic challenger. She is an outspoken critic of congressional performance. READ MORE Grassroots campaigning gives Motsinger boostBy Jim McNally
Statesville Record & Landmark October 29, 2012 Elisabeth Motsinger has been called "too liberal" by her political rivals. But Motsinger, a physician assistant, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education member and Democratic candidate for the U.S. 5th Congressional District seat, does not rebuke the claim. Rather, she embraces it. “I am a progressive,” she said while serving dinner to folks Friday at the Fifth Street Ministries kitchen. “But I don’t run away from ‘liberal.’ ” READ MORE Election Guide: U.S. House
By Kellen Moore
Watauga Democrat October 29, 2012 In North Carolina’s fifth district, the race for U.S. House of Representatives places incumbent Republican Virginia Foxx against Democratic opponent Elisabeth Motsinger. Foxx, a Banner Elk resident, was first elected to Congress in 2004 and previously spent 10 years in the North Carolina Senate. She taught at Caldwell Community College and Appalachian State University before holding several administrative positions at ASU. She and her husband, Tom Foxx, previously owned and ran a nursery in Banner Elk. Foxx has one daughter. Motsinger, a Walkertown resident, is a physician assistant and has since 2006 been a member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in bioethics at Wake Forest University. Motsinger’s and her husband, John Motsinger Sr., have three children. The race has been one of tremendous financial disparity for the candidates. Foxx’s campaign reported Oct. 17 that she had $919,209 in receipts, $660,132 in disbursements and $1,463,515 cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission. READ MORE WFDD Candidate Profile: Elisabeth Motsinger
Leading up to the general election on November 6th, WFDD news will bring you interviews with a number of North Carolina candidates running for state and national office. Today we turn to the 5th Congressional District race between incumbant Republican Virginia Foxx and Democratic challenger Elisabeth Motsinger. The district covers the northwestern corner of the state, stretching from Boone to Kernersville and from Mt. Airy to Statesville.
Elisabeth Motsinger is a physician assistant and is serving her second term on the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School Board. READ MORE AND LISTEN Congressional candidate visits Pastor's PantryBy Nash Dunn
The Dispatch October 22, 2012 U.S. Fifth District candidate Elisabeth Motsinger says we must protect the most vulnerable people in society. She visited Lexington on Monday to help do just that. Motsinger, a 54-year-old Democrat who lives in Winston-Salem, stopped by Pastor's Pantry to deliver food to several clients and learn more about the food pantry. Her visit is part of a larger, districtwide "Connecting the Fifth" tour about what her campaign calls efforts that strengthen families and support communities. She is crossing the entire district this week, visiting food pantries, outreach ministries and veterans assistance centers in Watauga, Ashe, Davidson, Catawba, Iredell, Forsyth and Yadkin counties. READ MORE State, local candidates square offBy Kellen Moore
Watauga Democrat October 16, 2012 The state and local candidates for several offices got one more opportunity to debate Tuesday at a forum held at Appalachian State University. The forum began with remarks by Democrat Elisabeth Motsinger, who is running for U.S. House of Representatives against longtime Republican representative Virginia Foxx. Foxx did not attend the forum, allowing Motsinger a chance to share her views without challenge. READ MORE Another Candidate Debate/Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at ASU’s Broyhill Events Center, Foxx Declines InviteBy Jesse Wood
High Country Press October 15, 2012 As part of the ASU Department of Communication’s Fall Debate Series, candidates for the N.C. House and Senate, U.S. House and Watauga County Board of Commissioners will pitch their candidacy on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Broyhill Events Center inside the Helen Powers Grand Hall. Participants include candidates for the 93rd District of the N.C. House – Jonathan Jordan and Cullie Tarleton; 45th District of the N.C. Senate – Dan Soucek and Roy Carter; the Watauga County Board of Commissioners – Tommy Adams, Vince Gable, Billy Kennedy, Virginia Roseman, John Welch and Perry Yates; and N.C. 5th District of U.S. House – Elisabeth Motsinger. Virginia Foxx, who resides in the High Country, declined her invitation participate, according to a release from ASU. A representative from Foxx’s campaign hasn’t returned a phone call as of Monday morning. READ MORE Congress: Motsinger is best choice for 5th DistrictBy Journal Editorial Board
Winston-Salem Journal October 15, 2012 Elections that are purported to offer voters a clear political choice often don’t. But in the race to represent the 5th District in Congress, Republican incumbent Virginia Foxx and her Democratic challenger, Elisabeth Motsinger, may well represent a textbook case of choice. Each candidate has staked out the furthest reaches of their opposing political views. After considerable thought, we believe Elisabeth Motsinger is the best candidate in the 5th District race. But our choice is based less on political ideology — we actually agree with Foxx on some issues — and more on the recognition that the bipartisan political process that has served our country for generations has ground to a halt. READ MORE Commitment 2012: Elisabeth Motsinger InterviewElisabeth Motsinger, House Of Representatives Candidate From North Carolina, Talks Education, Nuns On The Bus And Being A Single MomBy Nina Bahadur
Huffington Post October 15, 2012 Elisabeth Motsinger, a former physician's assistant and Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina, filed as a candidate for U.S. Congress on Feb. 14, 2012. "I chose to file on Valentine's Day," Motsinger said, "because I love North Carolina and I love this country. As we face our current economic and political challenges, we should return to the values that made this nation great." In anticipation of the November 6 congressional elections, HuffPost Women caught up with her about who she is, why she's running and how to get involved with her campaign. READ MORE Ashley Wilson Radio Interview
Ashley Wilson interviews 5th district Congressional candidate Elisabeth Motsinger.
October 11, 2012 Newcomer Will Battle Incumbent in U.S. 5th DistrictBY Rebekah Cansler McGee
The Dispatch October 12, 2012 ...As a new candidate to the congressional races, Motsinger will challenge Foxx for her title. While new to the congressional race, Motsinger has held a seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board for the past two terms. She completed her medical training at Wake Forest University, where she is completing a master's degree in bioethics. "I support health care for all Americans, and I believe in public education. I believe it is important to protect women's rights and to protect our natural world. I think our current Congress is not working very well. They are fairly ideological and focus on getting points for their party. I believe I can go to Washington and work on the problems that face our country," Motsinger said. READ MORE Elect 2012: Foxx, Motsinger Square Off in ForumBy Emily Ford
Salisbury Post October 11, 2012 U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican, said members of Congress get along better than portrayed by the media, but Democratic challenger Elisabeth Motsinger said Congress has been sidetracked by partisan bickering. The two candidates vying to represent the Fifth Congressional District, which now includes part of Rowan County, met at a forum Wednesday night moderated by Dr. Michael Bitzer at Catawba College. READ MORE Motsinger: Fifth District Voters Want ChangeBy Layla Garms
Winston-Salem Chronicle October 11, 2012 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board Member Elisabeth Motsinger is the latest Democrat standing between Foxx and re-election, and she has a sense that many in the largely Republican Fifth District want a change. “I think things are going really well,” Motsinger said of her campaign. “ I think there’s a lot of excitement throughout the district about the campaign. Everywhere we go, people are enthusiastic.” Although she admits she’s not a “natural politician,” Motsinger says the time she has spent on the Board of Education has taught her many valuable lessons that would help her in Congress. READ MORE A Special CandidateBy The Rev. Stewart Ellis
The Readers' Forum: Wednesday Letters October 10, 2012 I woke up at 3 a.m. Tuesday morning thinking about the name Elizabeth. My first feral cat I tamed and named Elizabeth over 60 years ago. I have a sister named Elizabeth. My wife had an aunt and grandmother named Elizabeth. I have a good church friend and a gardening friend named Elizabeth. I want my 5th District congresswoman to be named Elizabeth, only she spells it Elisabeth, which is special, which she is. The Hispanic third graders I help with homework have been doing acrostics. My acrostic for Elisabeth is: Education-board-member Love-of-neighbor Integrity Special Activist-for-justice Best-candidate-by-far Empathy-with-poor Health-care-provider. Please join me in voting for Elisabeth Motsinger for 5th District Congress! A Real Representative
By Ronald Sigrist
The Readers' Forum: Sunday Letters Winston-Salem Journal October 7, 2012 It would be one thing if Rep. Virginia Foxx was capable of compromise and service to her entire district. But she is not. She never compromises and she is a big part of the reason that Americans hate Congress (current disapproval is around 85 percent). We in the N.C. Fifth District do not need to keep voting for her. She has been in Congress long enough. It is time for a change. We have a wonderful alternative for congressional representation. Elisabeth Motsinger is a tireless worker for all the citizens in the Fifth District. She has demonstrated this via her service to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board. She will work for everyone and be a professional voice for our district. She is proud of all of us and we can be proud of her. You do not need to keep voting for a contrarian member of Congress. You can vote for a real representative of all the people — Elisabeth Motsinger! Don’t forget — early voting starts on Oct. 18. Congressional Candidates MeetBy Monte Mitchell
Winston-Salem Journal October 06, 2012 It wasn't a debate, but rather a forum run by schoolchildren who asked grown-up questions before an audience of about 30 people. Foxx and Motsinger chatted cordially in the auditorium at Sparta Elementary School before the forum started. Their biggest difference during the forum came with a question posed by Lilian Martinez, an eighth-grader at Sparta Elementary. "My question for you is, 'What is your stance regarding Obamacare?' " Lilian said. Motsinger, a physician assistant, talked about seeing patients trembling with terror because they were afraid they would not be able to afford health care. READ MORE Elisabeth featured on Inside Politics
Radio Show
October 4, 2012 First segment- Meet the candidate: Elizabeth Motsinger (D) running for congress in North Carolina District 5 to unseat Virginia Foxx. Foxx, Motsinger battle for 5th DistrictSalisbury Post
October 3, 2012 Rowan County voters who live in the redrawn 5th Congressional District will have a stark choice at the polls Nov. 6. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican, and challenger Elisabeth Motsinger, a Democrat, agree on almost nothing except how much they love America. For the first time, Rowan County is part of the 5th District, which now encompasses about a third of Rowan north of Salisbury. READ MORE In 5th District race, Foxx, Motsinger navigate new district linesBy BERTRAND M. GUTIERREZ
Winston-Salem Journal September 29, 2012 In the race for the 5th Congressional District seat, a solidly Republican post, new voting lines carry some changes in campaign territory for GOP incumbent Virginia Foxx and a small boost in registered Democrats for challenger Elisabeth Motsinger. Nearly 500,000 people had registered to vote in the newly formed district in northwestern North Carolina as of Sept. 12, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections. READ MORE State Candidates Highlight Dems Rally
By: Anna Oakes
Watauga Democrat September 24, 2012 A few hundred Democrats dined, socialized and campaigned at the Fall Rally of the Watauga County Democratic Party on Saturday at Appalachian State University’s main dining facility. Joining local candidates at the rally were governor’s candidate Walter Dalton (the current lieutenant governor), Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, State Treasurer Janet Cowell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson, Court of Appeals Judge Linda McGee and Elisabeth Motsinger, the Democratic candidate running against Republican incumbent Rep. Virginia Foxx for the Fifth District seat in the U.S. House. READ MORE Stimulus Funds Key Issue in 5th
By: BERTRAND M. GUTIERREZ
Winston-Salem Journal September 23, 2012 Upgrades highlighted recently at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir — financed by federal stimulus money — drew contrasts last week between Republican U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx and Elisabeth Motsinger, the Democratic challenger vying for Foxx's 5th Congressional District seat. On the dam's 50th anniversary, reservoir officials touted a list of projects, including amphitheaters, playgrounds and a bathhouse — improvements that help attract more tourism to the popular destination in Wilkes County for biking, camping and hiking, among other activities. READ MORE Motsinger Knows Health Care
By Laura Salmons
Readers' Forum: Monday Letters Winston-Salem Journal September 17, 2012 Motsinger knows Elisabeth Motsinger knows something about health care issues. As a health care provider for 20 years, she has seen firsthand how the lack of insurance can profoundly affect families and individuals. As our representative in Congress, she would continue to make people's health the first priority, rather than the financial well-being of health care companies. Motsinger thinks government shouldn't ignore the needs of our most vulnerable citizens (the incumbent, Rep. Virginia Foxx, has voted three times against expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program, which covers children in low-income families). Elisabeth has been out in the 5th District every day, speaking with constituents about their lives and concerns. She knows that our N.C. neighbors without insurance are not "lazy" or people who "don't want to work." Motsinger wants to win on the relationships she's building with 5th District people, not on the kind of scare tactics that the incumbent uses. She has chosen to maintain civility and respect for the opposition in her campaign, and to demand it from the people working with her. Haven't we had enough divisive, accusatory and angry campaign speech? Motsinger may not have the financial resources of the incumbent in this race, but she comes to the fight armed with a firm grasp of important issues and an understanding of how congressional decisions affect N.C. citizens. David versus Goliath
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Straight women march to support gay marriageBy: John Hinton
Winston-Salem Journal June 25,2011 Decked out in wedding dresses, a group of 10 straight women marched about a mile through downtown Winston-Salem on Friday in support of same-sex marriage, prompting cheers and jeers on an issue that has stirred debate in North Carolina. "I want to make this city a welcoming place to all people," said Elisabeth Motsinger, a parade participant and a member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education. . . .Read More 5th Congressional District: Motsinger WinsBy: Melissa Hall
Winston-Salem Journal May 9, 2012 Elisabeth Motsinger defeated Bruce Peller in the Democratic primary for the 5th Congressional District. Motsinger was declared the winner of the race after receiving 74 percent of the votes, based on complete but unofficial results. . . . Read More Winston-Salem school board member to run for CongressBy: Keith T. Barber and Jordan Green
Yes! Weekly May 9, 2012 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board member Elisabeth Motsinger launched a Facebook page on Monday declaring her intention to run for Congress. Motsinger, a Democrat, will run for the 5th District seat currently held by Virginia Foxx. Read more Motsinger filed with the Federal Elections Commission last week to be in compliance with federal law regarding fundraising and reporting campaign contributions, said Carissa Joines, Motsinger’s campaign manager... Read More |
Elect 2012: Motsinger gets shot at Foxx in 5th DistrictBy Emily Ford
Salisbury Post May 9, 2012 Elisabeth Motsinger attributed her decisive victory Tuesday over Dr. Bruce Peller to the relationships she has cultivated. Motsinger beat Peller 69 percent to 30 percent — 38,269 votes to 16,616 — in the Democratic primary for the 5th U.S. House District and won the chance to take on Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx this fall. Read More |
Two Democrats challenging Foxx for U.S. House seatBy: Lisa O'Donnell
Winston-Salem Journal April 10, 2012 . . . "To say, 'I love my country but I hate my government and I hate the way we go about governing ourselves and focusing on protecting the common good' makes no sense. A nation is the common good. That's what makes us a nation and not a corporation," she said. . . . Read More Vigil for Alberto draws about 70By: Bertrand M. Gutierrez
Winston-Salem Journal March 6, 2012 Uriel Alberto of Winston-Salem has started a hunger strike until federal immigration authorities release him from the Wake County Jail.. . . "I support the DREAM Act," Motsinger said, referring to federal legislation . . .Read More |
EDITORIAL: Motsinger's bid will heat up race for 5th DistrictBy: JOURNAL NOW Staff
January 11, 2012 Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board member Elisabeth Motsinger has filed paperwork indicating her intention to run for Congress, the second Democrat so far hoping to challenge Republican Virginia Foxx . . .Read More |