of the show. While on the show, Troutman worked alongside political heavyweights Dee Dee Myers, Gene Sperling, Lawrence O'Donnell and Peggy Noonan. In 2004, Troutman was asked to return to North Carolina to run as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 8th Congressional District against three-term incumbent Robin Hayes. Troutman notably received contributions from her West Wing colleagues including Aaron Sorkin, John Wells, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, and Martin Sheen. Sheen even spent three days on the campaign trail by her side. Hayes defeated Troutman in the 2004 election 55% to 45%. A televised debate during the 2004 election prompted Troutman's invitation to host the local morning show, Fox News Rising in Charlotte, NC. Early life Troutman is a native of Concord, North Carolina. She began public speaking at the early age of four. By the age of 12, she was a spokesperson for the "Just Say 'No' To Drugs" club. She attended Concord High School where she was an honors student, MVP of the track team, and a Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen scholarship recipient. Troutman met with President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office of The White House in 1993. She also traveled the U.S. as a motivational speaker. Troutman is an accomplished singer. While at UNC, Troutman was a member of the Tar Heel Voices, a co-ed collegiate a cappella group. References External links Her Website Her biography at MyFOXCharlotte.com Her biography at theBalancingAct.com Right This Minute homepage [https://www.allaccess.com/women-to-watch/archive/34885/charese-fruge-mcmediaonline-talks-to-beth 1977 births Living people People from Charlotte, North Carolina