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Hayes promises to keep serving public

By Eric Deines | Independent Tribune

Published: November 9, 2008

Concord - By Eric C. Deines
edeines@independenttribune.com
CONCORD — With just a month left on Capitol Hill, Congressman Robin Hayes said he's ready to serve the Cabarrus County community in a different capacity, likely through philanthropic endeavors.
But Sunday afternoon, Hayes was settling down to watch the Carolina Panthers game at his Concord home.
"I haven't been able to do this in a while," said Hayes. "It's hard to believe it's been 10 years, but it's been 10 years. You do develop a routine."
Last week, Hayes lost his 8th District congressional seat to Democratic challenger Larry Kissell, ending Hayes' five-term run in Washington D.C.
Hayes, grandson of textile magnate Charles A. Cannon and former state legislator, said following one last session, he must be out of his Washington, D.C., office by Dec. 1.
Once back in Cabarrus, Hayes said he plans to become involved in both The Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trusts and The Cannon Foundation, two philanthropies formed by his family that have made many projects possible across the state.
"I've been on the boards for both, but I was restricted for what we could do," said Hayes, 63. "I've also got some other philanthropy issues I want to explore in the general area. I am available to help in anyway it will be productive."
Since last week's election, Hayes said he has written a lot of thank-you letters to his many supporters, as well as done a little long-overdue deer hunting.
"People have been absolutely magnificent," Hayes said, adding he has received phone calls from "all walks of life — from one end of the spectrum to the other.'
Hayes and his family are also expecting a sixth grandchild — determined to be a baby girl — any day.
He said he is also eager to get back to Washington, D.C., to gauge the mood of the city following the election.
"It's a time of high hopes, disappointment...trying to find a leader on both sides of the aisle," Hayes said. "It's going to be a spirited time for both sides for a while."

• Contact reporter Eric C. Deines: 704-789-9141