Political notebook: Rich and Ted's excellent adventure

SALISBURY — U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8, and Republican 13th District candidate Ted Budd last week enjoyed the fruits of downtown Salisbury as part of an event promoted by the congressman’s office.

Joined by Budd, Commissioners Chairman Greg Edds, Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander and others, Hudson on Tuesday toured downtown Salisbury. The event served as a way for Hudson to introduce Budd to the Salisbury community. The pair purchased frozen slushies at Innes Street Drug, explored Pottery 101, received a guided tour through New Sarum Brewing and wrapped up the public part of Tuesday’s events with a meal at Go Burrito. Hudson also sampled a couple different types of beer from New Sarum during the event.

Hudson has represented part of Rowan County since being elected. Maps redrawn because of a court decision mean Hudson will represent a majority of Rowan County residents if he wins re-election in November against Democratic challenger Thomas Mills. The winner of the 13th Congressional District race will represent the remainder of Rowan. The 13th District race includes Budd and Democratic candidate Bruce Davis.

Unsurprisingly, Hudson on Tuesday predicted that Budd would serve as the 13th District congressman. In addition to both being Republicans, Hudson and Budd say they’ve been friends for years. They’re also the same age.

The pair’s Tuesday stroll through downtown was guided by Alexander. Edds, local Republican organizer Terry Osborne and staffers of Budd and Hudson trailed along behind.

When asked afterward about introducing Budd to the Salisbury and Rowan community, Hudson listed a few reasons for Tuesday’s event.

“I want Ted to know about some of the special places here,” Hudson said. “We’ve been friends for 15 years. He’s a good man. He’ll be a good member of Congress.”

In a similar event, the pair of Republicans toured Lexington together on Oct. 12. Hudson’s current district includes part of Davidson County. If he’s reelected, his district will no longer include Davidson County.

“Richard’s just been a longtime friend, predating politics for me, and I’m just grateful for the introductions,” Budd said. “People here have just been very welcoming and I think they want to know just who they are going to be working with.”