Tampa, Fla. — A Republican newcomer hoping to unseat Rep. Larry Kissell in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District said Monday that the biggest problem facing the state is high employment and a withering climate for job creation.

Richard Hudson snagged a spot to speak at the Republican National Convention after several party leaders had to cancel plans to attend the convention due to Tropical Storm Isaac. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, for example, was slated for a prime-time speaking slot but bowed out as the storm moved swiftly toward his home state.

Hudson worked as district director when North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes held the 8th District seat, which now covers much of southeast North Carolina, including Robeson, Scotland and Richmond counties.

Now, Hudson is striking out on his own campaign. He said he's focused on bringing new jobs to North Carolina and encouraging existing businesses to expand.

"The real solution is, the people in (rural) communities who already own businesses, let's get the government out of the way, so they can expand those businesses and hire people," he said.

Hudson said the business environment in the state needs to change to encourage entrepreneurial investment.

"Let's get this economy rolling, so those people who have the capital want to invest it, want to hire people (and) can start hiring people," he said.

Hudson takes the stage Tuesday, along with state Sen. David Rouzer, who's running in the 7th Congressional District, and 11th Congressional District candidate Mark Meadows.