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After hard fought campaign it’s time to go to work
By Jerry Lankford
Record Editor

With a hard-fought campaign behind her Rep. Virginia Foxx says she’s ready to go to work.

Foxx, a Republican from Banner Elk, was sworn in as the representative for the 5^th U.S. Congressional District on Tuesday.

Shortly before the ceremony, Foxx, during a phone interview with The Record, said she has been adjusting to her new surroundings in Washington, D.C.

She arrived there last week, has set up residence within walking distance of Capital Hill and has been through a series of briefings about her new job.

“This is an awesome responsibility,” Foxx said. “It’s humbling to be here. You realize that you’re a part of the greatest government in the world. That is such an honor. We’re in the same place that so many great people have served. I’m deeply honored to have a chance to serve the people of the 5^th District.”

Foxx defeated Democrat Jim Harrell of Elkin in the November elections. Prior to that, she battled a crowded slate of GOP candidates in the Republican primary. That primary resulted in a heated run off between her and Winston-Salem City Councilman Vernon Robinson.

Foxx said she started work in her new office on Monday at 9 a.m.

“I got my computer up and running and learned a little bit about how to get around,” she said.

Later in the day, she met with President Bush and Vice President Cheeny during a White House reception.

That evening, Foxx attending a meeting from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in which congressional rules were discussed.

On Tuesday, “I was back over here at 8 a.m. checking e-mails, answering the phone and meeting with constituents. I’ve just gone over and picked up my voting card and my new member pin so I can walk around and not have everyone wondering who I am.”

A meeting at the Pentagon was set for Wednesday. “I’m assuming we’ll be brought up to date on the war in Iraq,” Foxx said.

She said that her first order of business is to set up her Washington office.

“There’s a lot more to it than most people realize,” Foxx said. “We want to make sure we can handle constituent calls. The first few days, you just have to deal with learning your way around. But, we really have hit the deck running.”

Foxx also has a full staff and offices in the district as well.

The Washington staff includes:

Amy Auth (press secretary), Richard Hudson (chief of staff), Deana Funderburk (legislative director), Eliza Baker (office manager/scheduler), Erica Shrader (staff assistant), Chris Wall (legislative assistant, who worked for congressman Robin Hayes).

There are also three staffers in the district. Working in the Clemmons office are: Todd Poole (district director, who worked for Richard Burr for the past six years) and case workers Joshua Wall and Aaron Church.

Foxx will also be opening an office in Boone.

Auth said the staff has been busy since Foxx has arrived in Washington.

“She’s here. She has her sleeves rolled up and she’s ready to work,” Auth said