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Once again, Shuler is right choice for WNC
The candidate who caused us to break a long drought in political endorsements – now a U.S. Congressman – is still the right choice for Western North Carolina.
We said two years ago that the 11th District race was too important for The Herald to remain silent, and we feel the same way now. In our view, Rep. Heath Shuler is once again the better candidate. He brought a fresh perspective to Congress and showed he could be part of breaking the gridlock that had long plagued Washington.
Shuler’s moderate views and mountain family values were a pleasant contrast to former Congressman Charles Taylor’s questionable financial dealings and lockstep votes with the current administration and the Republican Party’s right wing.
Numerous ethical concerns made Taylor a target through the years, and we were glad to see the Democratic Party with a candidate – Shuler – who shares the more moderate values espoused by most Western North Carolinians.
When Shuler got to Washington, he more than lived up our endorsement. He showed his independence and fiscal conservatism most recently by twice voting against the current Wall Street bailout. At this point we can’t say whether the bailout will succeed as intended, but we can say that Shuler is not afraid to take a stand against the House Democratic leadership if he believes it’s the right thing to do.
While some said Shuler’s inexperience would make him ineffective, the opposite has proved true. In a House of Representatives Democrats control by a slim margin, Shuler and other moderates on both sides of the aisle have often held the balance of power.
Shuler may have struggled during his first trip to Washington to quarterback the Redskins, but his return engagement has been a success story.
Closer to home, Shuler has built an effective organization, led locally by his former high school coach, Sylva native Boyce Deitz, that’s responsive to citizens’ needs and requests.
In our view, the former Swain County football star will continue to score touchdowns for our country and all of WNC.
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