Sometimes, the truth hurts. But we need to be able to hear it, regardless of our desired outcome. I learned the truth back in 2010, when I lost an unsuccessful bid for state senate in the Republican primary. However, had I listened, I could have avoided defeat and saved a ton of my personal savings.

You see, Jim Perry, advised me that I was running an uphill battle. He had looked at polling data and it indicated that my chances of victory were good, but not great. I lost by just under 700 votes. It was then that I began to take notice of my lifelong friend. He had morphed into an intelligent, deliberate, and careful evaluator since our days in high school. I began to take notice.

Fast forward to October 2017. I was exercising on my treadmill when Jim Perry gave me a call. He suggested that I reconsider a run for NC House. I immediately declined. But he pressed forward and asked me to at least consider the challenge. So I did. Two days later he called again. I answered the phone and just said “No!” but he got my attention. He had done his homework and assured me that I could win the race. I reluctantly gave in and eventually won a tough election.

The reason I give you this background is that I have seen Senator Jim Perry in action while serving with him in Raleigh. He is a hard worker, beginning his day before 5 a.m. We speak often and invariably when I call in the evening, he is still in his legislative office tackling and learning more about issues that affect not only Lenoir and Wayne Counties, but eastern North Carolina. 

He is an effective leader. He looks at every issue with an open mind and can explain most any bill that you ask him about. He has become a champion for small businesses, especially hometown pharmacies, who are facing extreme challenges. He has worked to find dollars for struggling small towns in his district.

I could go on and on about how he has earned the respect from both the state House and Senate, including both sides of the aisle. He communicates with his constituents and works to find solutions. Above all, he is a man of his word and will let you know how he feels, but he also explains why he feels the way he does. Jim Perry is an up and coming star in North Carolina and the man eastern North Carolina needs in the NC State Senate. Because nobody works harder.

Representative Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir, Pitt) lives in Kinston and owns businesses in Lenoir and Wayne Counties.