From the Eric Ferguson campaign...
Ferguson Campaigns with "Cooter"Candidate endorsed by actor and former US Congressman
Floyd, VA, September 23, 2007: Ben "Cooter" Jones toured the Ninth House District this weekend in support of Eric Ferguson and his campaign for the House of Delegates. Ben Jones is best remembered as "Cooter Davenport" on the hit TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard." Jones was also elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia in the early nineties.
"Two years ago, my friend Eric Ferguson ran for the House of Delegates and he came mighty close," said Jones. "He could have rolled up and quit. But he didn't. He got up the next day and started running again. You have to respect a man that is willing to work hard and keep fighting."
"It's time we have someone like Eric in Richmond. For too long we've had 'Boss Hogg' style politics and we need Eric to put a stop to it." Jones went on to say, "Whether its healthcare, transportation, education, or taxes, Eric is right there fighting for the working men and women of Virginia. We need Eric in Richmond and I hope you will do all you can to send him there."
Jones, along with an original "General Lee," a 383 V8-powered 1969 Charger from the television series made appearances in support of Ferguson for the Sportsmen for Ferguson 200 at the Franklin County Speedway, a lightning fast 3/8ths mile paved oval located in Callaway. Adding to Saturday's excitement was Travis Hurt, driver of the Ferguson #21 car being crowned 2007 champion of the PMZ Group Limited Sportsman series. On Sunday, Jones appeared at Ray's Restaurant in Floyd with Junior Sisk and the Ramblers' Choice. The #21 car, fresh off a night of racing was also on display. Jones signed more than 1000 autographs over the course of the two days."Cooter," as Jones is more commonly known had just finished a tour of Walter Reed Medical Center where he visited with injured soldiers returning from war overseas. Jones spoke of their bravery, and the respect and honor we owe them as a nation.
"Ben is a dear friend with immense talent, and knowing his admirable service in the House of Representatives, I am doubly honored to have his endorsement," said Ferguson. "Most of all, when Ben comes to town, we have a great time and get to meet some fantastic folks. I was fortunate enough to have Ben's help last time as well. I think folks know that 'Cooter' doesn't pull any punches," continued Ferguson, "he is a good guy and if he didn't believe what he was telling you, he wouldn't be here.
Ferguson has also received endorsements from U.S. Senator Jim Webb, Congressman Rick Boucher, former Governor Mark Warner, Governor Tim Kaine, former Delegate Willard Finney, the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Education Association, the Virginia AFL-CIO, the VA Transportation Construction Alliance, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association among others.