Many of my key accomplishments in the U.S. Senate have had a direct effect on Wilson and eastern North Carolina. I worked hard to achieve the once-unthinkable tobacco quota buyout, which pumped about $4 billion into the state's economy, and spearheaded efforts to ensure that our military installations remained open in the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure round.

I also have led the successful fight to prevent Medicaid cuts that would have cost North Carolina hospitals $330 million last year alone -- including Wilson Medical Center, which was spared a loss of over $2 million. In addition, I helped secure $375,000 in this year's budget for Wilson's downtown revitalization.

I also have been a strong advocate for eastern North Carolina communities dealing with the Navy's proposed outlying landing field. In fact, Audubon North Carolina executive director Chris Canfield said last April of my involvement: "No other member of our delegation has been better informed or more personally involved in the landing field debate." I removed funding for an OLF at the Washington and Beaufort County site from defense bills, effectively blocking it. Furthermore, I have repeatedly told the Navy that I will not support an OLF at any North Carolina site where there is not broad local support and have called on the Navy to address the issue of economic benefits for communities impacted by an OLF.

Your readers should know that I am home in North Carolina as frequently as possible and have spent time in all 100 counties since my election. It has been an honor to serve North Carolina for the past six years, and I look forward to many more years of public service on behalf of our great state.

Elizabeth Dole

U.S. Senator

Washington, D.C.