By Josh Bergeron

Salisbury Post

WASHINGTON — After an unprecedented campaign, Ted Budd says he’s eager to get to work as North Carolina’s newest congressman.

A day before being sworn in, Budd said he had a “spirit of anticipation” and was not nervous, just ready to get to work.

“We’ve got such great people that are on our team or around to help us,” he said. “I really look forward to getting started.”

When running for office, Budd listed national security, simplifying the tax code and reducing government regulation as the most important issues facing the 13th District.

After winning the election, Budd picked Todd Poole, the N.C. Republican Party’s former executive director and Rep. Richard Hudson’s former chief of staff, as his district director. Budd picked his campaign manager, Andrew Bell, to serve as his chief of staff. On Monday, Budd said he had completed the hiring process for all positions.

Since the election, Budd said he traveled to Washington, D.C. twice to complete introductory courses about being a congressman. Budd said he’s received advice from Hudson, a Republican who represents the state’s 8th Congressional District. The pair became friends long before Budd ran for Congress.

“We’ve had a pretty good relationship before and he’s been very helpful to talk to since the election,” Budd said.

Once sworn in, Budd said he will continue to have a role in his business. However, Budd said he won’t oversee daily operations.