The Charlotte Observer Nine Mecklenburg County legislative races involving 19 candidates are on the ballot in Tuesday's primary to determine nominees for the state House and Senate in the Nov. 2 general election. The Observer editorial board's recommendations: House 104: Samuelson Incumbent Ruth Samuelson is on the ballot with Jerry Drye in the Republican primary, but Drye says he is not campaigning and supports Samuelson. The winner faces Democrat Frank Deaton in November. Samuelson has served two terms and is vice chair of the House committees on aging and energy. She has a decent record on environmental issues, and a reputation for seeking solutions to problems. We recommend Ruth Samuelson. Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/04/29/1404146/endorsements-for-general-assembly.html#ixzz0mXUIX1FB read more

Ruth Samuelson Filing for 2010 Re-Election to NC House District 104 read more

Ruth Samuelson Q: Address: A: 1143 Andover Rd. Charlotte, 28211 Q: How long have you lived in North Carolina? A: Since 1962 Q: Family A: Husband, Ken. Four adult children and one grandchild Q: Education: A: UNC Chapel Hill Q: Previous political experience: A: 2 terms with the NC House of Representatives, 2 terms as Mecklenburg County Commissioner Q: Previous professional experience: A: Owner- ruth: Philanthropy in Motion; Licensed real estate agent- Cardinal Real Estate Partners; agent/CLU- Banker’s Life of Iowa Q: Community, Political and Religious organizations in which you are involved: A: Uptown Church, YMCA Charlotte, Peacemaker Ministries International, Little Sugar Creek Greenway Steering Committee, Catawba Lands Conservancy and Love,INC Advisory Boards, various Republican organizations Q: Your campaign website address: A: www.RuthSamuelson.com Q: Why are you running for the North Carolina House? A: To help make sure that North Carolina remains a great place to raise a family, run a business and enjoy an active life. Q: What are the greatest challenges facing people who live in your district and what would you do to address those challenges that would make voters choose you? A: Jobs have always been number the one priority, we just didn’t have to work so hard at it. We need to encourage business growth through a certain and stable tax structure, a regulatory environment ..... read more

Four Mecklenburg County lawmakers in contested primaries are among the dozen endorsed for re-election by the Conservation Council of North Carolina. They are Democratic Sen. Malcolm Graham, Democratic Reps. Becky Carney and Nick Mackey, and Republican Rep. Ruth Samuelson.   Jim Morrill Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/04/20/1387748/conservation-council-endorses.html#ixzz0lkMvR900   read more

Four Mecklenburg County lawmakers are among the 12 legislators in contested primaries who’ve been endorsed by the Sierra Club. Endorsed were Democratic Sen. Malcolm Graham, Democratic Reps. Beverly Earle and Becky Carney and Republican Rep. Ruth Samuelson. The Club commended the lawmakers “for their dedication and commitment to protecting North Carolina's environment.” -- Jim Morrill read more

Republican Jerry Drye, who filed to challenge Rep. Ruth Samuelson, R-Mecklenburg, in the May primary for the GOP nomination for the 104th House District, has withdrawn from the race. Drye, who ran unsuccessfully for the Charlotte City Council last year, said Wednesday he had decided not to pursue the campaign. His decision enter the race came late in the filing period, and his decision to withdraw was difficult, he said, but this was not the time to seek the seat. Samuelson said Thursday that she and Drye had talked earlier and that he had said he would support her -- and would even hold a fundraiser for her. Drye's name will remain on the ballot. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Frank Deaton in the fall. Read more: http://jackbetts.blogspot.com/2010/03/drye-dropping-run-for-104th-house.html#ixzz0ijcQ1lUY read more

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Dear Friend, I want to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me over the years.  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in the North Carolina House of Representatives, and your support makes it all the more special.   On Friday, February 26, 2010 challengers filed in the race against me for the 104th district seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives. I now have a Republican challenger in the primary election and am facing a Democrat competitor in the general election in November.   CLICK this link to view press release .  I must prepare now to run in the May Primary as well as the November General Election !   I hope you will support my re-election bid, and I need your help.  We are looking for people who will provide support in various ways either as a volunteer, a financial supporter/contributor, or in another capacity.  Whether you can only spend a few hours or a few dollars to help us, it will be greatly appreciated.   If you are willing to help in some way, please take a moment to provide information.   CLICK this link to provide information on how you would like to help.   Thank you for taking the time to provide information and to offer your support for my re-election.   Sincerely,  Ruth Samuelson NC House of Representatives, Dist 104 read more

RUTH SAMUELSON 1143 Andover Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704-366-8748   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 15, 2010   Samuelson files for re-election to NC Legislature   CHARLOTTE– Mecklenburg County State Representative Ruth Samuelson is filing for re-election to a third two-year term. Samuelson represents District 104 in Charlotte.   "This year offers real hope that things will be different with a little elbow grease and motivated voters. I know we can influence a fundamental change in North Carolina’s political culture and policies on taxes, education, transportation and law enforcement," says Samuelson.   "A political earthquake is building in Raleigh and promises to reset the power structure for the first time in literally 150 years. Redistricting will occur at the intersection of three important situations: (1) this profound recession, (2) growing awareness of the corruption flowing from Raleigh,  and (3) the over-reaching by both President Obama and Governor Purdue. This process has been disturbing to watch and I intend to help provide the leadership to change it."   Ruth and her husband, Ken, have four children. She began her political service in 1999 as co-chair for the bond campaign in support of a new courthouse. Two years later, as a member of the Board of County Commissioners , she fought to keep the promise made to voters about the site and cost of the ..... read more