Heath Shuler is running for Congress and is a democrat

:wow:

Most of the time ex-sports jocks end up being repuke although after reading Shuler's issues he looks to be on the moderate side. HOWEVER, he's running against an incumbat republican and they are actually showing that this could be a democratic pickup. Could be interesting

http://www.heathshuler.com

does he have a chance at winning? Because in any other area, he'd be a republican..it's one of those southern things, I guess down there he's a moderate. I've got a bunch of relatives in north carolina who are all registered democrats. They're really not....

would like if you would quit badmouthing ex sports jocks or people who run as Democrats even though they are supposedly Republicans. Shuler is a standup guy and it's about time us big tent Democrats start letting others in to run against this corrupt Congress we have now.

Shut the fuck up and start voting for people like Shuler - go to his website and get enlightened for once.

Yes he was great in college but the time he got into the NFL he was a dud, then he went into real estate.

As for his views, yes he is a conservative Democrat but if you see a lot of southerns are conservatine Democrats, it's just how they are, why do you all feel threatned about that. Not every Democrat can be a Russ Feingold type dem. He's perfect for his District and he can win.

"I firmly support our troops, and in Congress I will work tirelessly to provide these brave men and women with all the necessary equipment, training, and support they need to effectively carry out their missions. Our troops have done everything asked of them and more, and they have done it brilliantly. Like every other American, I want the men and women serving overseas now to come home as quickly and safely as possible.

In hindsight, we all recognize mistakes were made in the lead up to the war. It is past time for Congress to begin demanding accountability from the Administration over the course of events in Iraq and return credibility and competence to Congressional oversight. We must ensure that the advice of our military commanders on the ground is not being ignored for political reasons in Washington, D.C.

We must change the course in Iraq because the status quo is unacceptable. We must begin setting clear benchmarks to measure success in the rebuilding of Iraq to ensure we are making progress toward our goals of stabilizing the government, rebuilding the infrastructure, and training security forces. The long-term stability of Iraq and its government is vital to our national security and the security of all other nations. We cannot leave a political vacuum in Iraq and threaten to further destabilize the entire region. We need new leadership to offer clear alternatives to the current approach of staying the course. We must win this war and get our troops home".

Wow, what a strong principled stand!!

I'd better send him some money right now!!!

Yessir, here's a guy who'll stand up to to Bush.

(here DINO, DINO, DINO, here DINO...)

P.S. If you liked this one, you'll LOVE his "stance" on immigration.

:eyes:

Because, you know, we should expect Dennis Kucinich-like candidates to run (and win) in North Carolina.

Works wonders when you have to make excuses for shit DINO candidates, doesn't it?

Of course, if you think about it what it really says is that North Carolinians are too stupid to understand the truth, and hence must be fed Republican-lite pablum.

Of course, they said that about Montana too - then Tester showed up.

Nice try, but you get points taken off for the gratuitous Green slam, even if it was expected.

stream of consciousness....You wonder why the public can't tell the difference between the two parties, because like the republicans we're willing to say or do anything to win. In the end, nothing changes. Take Gov Schweitzer, if I spelled his name right...a dem in a red state, but with a conscience...not repu b lite.

Here are some exerpts from St. Sen. Tester's campaign site....

Iraq
Jon Tester supports our troops in Iraq who have fought bravely and made us proud, but unfortunately their leaders in Washington have let them down. This administration is conducting the war in Iraq with no plan and no end in sight and has failed to give our troops the armor and equipment they need to be safe and successful. Montanans deserve a senator who’ll demand the President present a clear plan to give the Iraqi military control of their own country and bring our troops home. As your senator, Tester will never waver in keeping America safe and strong. Jon will keep the commitment we have made to our soldiers and veterans and will ask the tough questions to ensure that our troops have a clear mission and all the resources they need.


Defense/Malmstrom
As a native of North Central Montana, Jon Tester understands how important Malmstrom Air Force Base is to our economy. More importantly, Tester understands how important its mission is to America’s national security. In the legislature, Jon supported legislation to help keep and expand military missions in Montana. Jon will fight tirelessly in the Senate to keep Montana’s missions and keep America safe. Under Senator Burns, Malmstrom has experienced many disappointments including losing its flying mission in 1996 and failing to land the X-33 as promised


http://www.testerforsenate.com/

Please, if you can, Sir, show me any appreaciable difference between this and the North Carolinian Democrat you disparraged as a Democrat in name only....

I want to get rid of it"

-Jon Tester-

Your move.

I must say, though, that I got quite the laugh from your efforts to equate the two.

Gotta run, now - I hear there's a clandestine meeting of the Greens where they are going to unveil their plans to destroy the Democratic Party, and I wouldn't want to be late.

Unless, of course, Ford has plans to emasculate it on his own.

Oh, wait a minute - he does.

Not to worry, though - we'll run a real progressive against him in 6 years!

Oh, no -we can't! It's Tennnessee! They have to be fed Republican-lite pablum, just like the entire south. Didn't you get the memo?

Now, THAT'S funny.

Mr. Tester has no record on the matter, never having been in a position requiring him to act on the matter. Rep. Ford has, and an excellent summary is provided by "factcheck.org", in critiquing a Republican attack against him for voting against the legislation:

"Ford had two opportunities to vote directly on the bill reauthorizing the PATRIOT ACT, once on the House committee report and again on the conference report. The ad is correct as far as it goes since Ford voted against the legislation both times. However, in December 2005, after both of those votes, the reauthorization bill stalled in the Senate, hung up on a debate about civil liberties. As we have reported earlier, Republican Sen. John Sununu of New Hampshire then introduced a separate bill containing civil liberties provisions on which both Democrats and Republicans could agree. Ford voted for the Sununu bill, without which, it seemed clear at the time, the PATRIOT Act would not have been renewed. After the Sununu measure passed the House and the Senate, the Senate approved the PATRIOT Act legislation. Due to a complex agreement struck by House and Senate leaders, the PATRIOT renewal was not returned to the House for another vote. It was signed by the president on March 9, 2006."

Two things are worth pointing out here. First, the bill that came up in March had sufficient Republican votes to carry, so that votes by Democrats made no difference either way, and in that situation, calculations of expediency generally rule. Second, it is quite clear from the content of the attacks on Rep. Ford by the Republicans that votes against this bill are a powerful tool in the statewide campaign in Tennessee, so that it is quite likely the vote in March was essential to any prospect for success this November in his Senate race.

If you imagine that down the line votes against this measure would have been certain to secure victory in the Senate race in Tennessee for a Democrat, it is difficult to believe you have much grasp of, or concern with, the political realities actual candidates and professional politicians must deal with.

their official "decider of who really IS a Democrat." :sarcasm:

"They're really not..." implies that YOU are the ONLY person who knows who is and isn't a Democrat.


Last time I checked, this was a Big Tent Party and many opinions were welcomed and enjoyed.

(P.S. - I'm a Southern Democrat who is more liberal than Shular, but I don't go around telling people what party they are ACTUALLY a member of because I realize that this party should embrace varying points of view, unlike the Goosestep On Party.)

you have been hanging out with Nader for too long again haven't you --- formernaderite. Your handle gives you away. And YOU are the one making the determination of who is really a democrat and who is not?!?!?! :shrug:

Even the WALL STREET JOURNAL put Taylor on the front page, going into detail on what a corrupt guy he is. Democrats have wanted to get rid of Taylor for years; he's like a festering sore who sits there year after year while he rapes the mountain woodlands. He also has a history of intimidating people who go against him.

I have heard that the Republicans tried to get Keith to run while he lived in Tennessee, and he refused because he said he was a Democrat.

and some assholes are dissing him for not being ideologically pure. When will some of us grow up and realize that a MAJORITY is needed if your opinion is ever gonna matter? Anything less than 218 seats in the house or 51 in the senate is a loss.

I support EVERY Democratic nominee on the ballot this year. Thanks for giving one of our guys attention at an important moment. He may well be a name we'll follow in years to come.

If not, WTF have we lost? :shrug:

That Heath isn't a Russ Feingold or Paul Wellstone Democrat and because of that he needs to be trashed. It's sad cause just because he isn't as liberal is a certain someone wants him to be and because of that he is branded on this great board of ours as a "conservative douchebag". Look, alot of Southern Democrats have a little conservatism in there blood and that won't change, to you he's conservative garbage but to me and the 11th District of North Carolina, he's a perfect Democrat and that won't change.

I support Heath Shuler for Congress and all of you should cause he represents 1/15th of our victory in the House.

will suit everyone on DU. Southern Democrats are different. Most people understand that and cope. Some don't get it. Regardless, I welcome Heath and look forward to following his political career.

Just sayin'....

which is what I would prefer - our elected officials representing those who elected them instead of competing to see who can be the most ideological pure of the group. If Heath Shuler is what we need to reclaim this district then I'm there 110%

It should seem obvious that the same candidate who can best represent Democratic farmers in Iowa would probably be the WORST candidate to represent Manhattanites -- and vice-versa.

Let's face it - if the only candidate you can support wholeheartedly is the one who perfectly mirrors your every ideal, you're going to wind up with only one person you can viably vote for -- yourself!

"... elected officials representing those who elected them."

THAT'S what democracy is supposed to be, no?

Here's to you, LynneSin! :toast:

Elected officials representing those who voted for them and those voters best interest. Instead it's become all strict party-line. And the horrible thing is, if you're not 110% progressive liberal here at DU then we feel we need to toss them out.

That means alot for your compliment! Much appreciated!

Ok, I'm kidding. Good luck to ya Heath.

You realize that if he tries to pass a bill, it will only get intercepted :)

elected to Congress from NC 11th Congressional District I have read your comments about Heath with great interest. No matter what some of you may say, Heath is beating one of the most corrupt men in Congress, Charles Taylor. Yes, some of Heath's views are more moderate than mine but he is running on the Democratic ticket and was brought up in these mountains and understands the mountain values and what he would be representing if/when elected. One has to remember this is the Bible Belt and in that instance we might be a little different than the Feingolds and Wellstones in the party but none the less, we are good, strong Democrats. Let us not shoot ourselves in the foot AGAIN with this election by letting little things divide us. We are working hard to put this seat into the Democratic column when the votes are tallied on Nov. 7. This Heath Shuler is one great candidate who has stood up to vicious attacks from Charles Taylor his Republican opponent and is still 9-11 points ahead. We're winning our seat, hope you are winning your seat in your race too.

Godspeed you and your candidate there. Never mind all this nonsense from people who wouldn't stray below the Mason-Dixon Line without private bodyguards; we Southern Democrats - even the radical left-wingers like me - realize what the playing fields are like down there. Tell Heath JeffR says go git 'im.:kick:

I'd love to see Taylor gone. I also believe that the candidate should represent the people of the district and yes, sometimes you need a bit more moderate of a democrat to pull out the win. It's the same thing with PA-10 - you run a hardcore liberal and the adulterer repuke would probably win. But someone a bit more moderate like Chris Carney has pulled moderates in the county into voting democrat.

It's all good.

I guess my shock is most sports jock usually end up becoming republicans - ie Lynn Swann running as a republican for Pennsylvania governor. Foolish assumption on my part!

and I've given his campaign some $$.

There are some great videos of him with John Edwards on YouTube as well.

:kick:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/10/24/163312/83

direct links to rally videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_A_4zM3iyg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Lo3dBHlfc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFWbKOiJwWk


Go Team Shuler, and thank you Senator Edwards :patriot:

Heath Shuler. He's a solid candidate. Others have tried to unseat Charles Taylor and have failed miserably. They were a bit too liberal for these hills. We all need to remember that the South is needed to win elections. We're really trying to produce this time for ya'll folks. This has been a long campaign and we're dog tired and need some encouragement to get over that finish line. Mamma thanks you. P.S We're right proud to live in the same state as John Edwards as he will always be our favorite son.

Go Heath. Best wishes.

I can think of at least two reasons Democrats do so poorly in the South and number one is the perceived lack of respect our people get from beltway Democrats who write us off as redneck, slobbering, gun-totin', baccer chewin', bible thumpin' inbreds who don't deserve any attention from the DNC.

Second is the impression that anyone who is openly religious is a brain washed fundy. Have you seen Barack Obama's "My Spirtual Journey" in Time Magazine? This man "gets it". Sorry I have a printout, not a link. Democrats need to remember that it's "freedom of religion", not "freedom from religion" (I'm agnostic by the way - I can't believe in a God my feeble mind could define)

Thank you Howard Dean for the 50-State Strategy, although our 5th District candidate, Roger Sharpe (www.sharpeforcongress.com) has had no "love" as far as I know from DCCC.

Watauga County NC has done very well electing local Democrats who are probably not "liberal", but they're not Republican either. We have very strong local Democratic leadership.

It's good to have you and congrats on the good work in Watauga Co. You understand well how things operate here in NC

Good luck to you too....from a "neighbor up in VA-02" :hi:

I donated to Heath even though I'm not in his district, because we so desperately need to get rid of Charles Taylor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_H._Taylor#Controversies


Many thanks to WNCNN and the other netrooters for their hard work and support of Heath Shuler!

which would rule him out of many peoples' books here, but we'll take anyone with a (D) right now.

Or we (generic) can bitch about it and lose Congress...again :shrug:

Read:

http://www.portfolioweekly.com/Pages/InfoPage.php/iID/2118

instead of Hastert-vs-Hayworth. Regardless of how it comes out, we're way better off than now.

We need to bring some people to our right along with us: it is the necessary first step towards getting them to come over to us.

He was scary last night when I saw some report on him. Sounded just like a puke. :puke: :mad:

he's on LK live now :hi:

LK going to commerical now.

I think I may be one of two or three that I know. Most Progressives here in the West live in and around Asheville which is an hour east of where Heath Shuler lives and was brought up. There must be some real fear of loss of the seat to the Democrats as Pickles is coming to Asheville this Friday to campaign for Charles Taylor. I have to say that though I am a Progressive I have a great big D behind my name and am proud of it. I think we can do better than the other party but we can't get to do it if we are divided. ARE YOU COMING ALONG?

he still does have a D next to his name but I am not really for any candidate that opposes gay marriage and is pro life.

If that's what he needs to be in order to be elected, so be it.

But he still sounds no better than the repukes.

We need every seat we can get!!