(RALEIGH) -- Former Congressman Robin Hayes was recently elected to fill out the term of Republican state party chairman Tom Fetzer, who stepped down after leading the GOP to big victories in the November elections.  Hayes said the Republican majority in the General Assembly has a clear mandate.

"Create an environment where rules and regulations are fair, not overly burdensome, where tax on people who are working are lower.  It's a very clear cut, well-proven formula and that's what I expect to see," said Hayes.

By sticking to its conservative principles the next two years, Hayes expects the electorate will respond. "As we do that we become relevant in the lives of working families and they will re-elect us in even larger numbers in the next election in 2012.  We'll get the Governor's Mansion and the White House back," said Hayes.