Blue Dog Heath Shuler might be stepping down.

Tony Basilio, host of the The Edge radio program on WVLZ radio in Knoxville, TN, is reporting that Western North Carolina Rep. Heath Shuler is considering taking a job as the athletic director of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he gained national attention as a top quarterback in the early 1990s.

The report comes as the Democratic congressman, who has represented the 11th district of WNC since 2007, faces an upcoming primary challenge from Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell ahead of the 2012 election. The lines and demographics of his district are also in question, as the first Republican N.C. General Assembly in 140 years prepares to release its redistricting plans on July 1.

Shuler’s possible interest in the athletic director position has not yet been confirmed by Xpress. But what do you think? Despite his powerful position on the House Budget Committee, his national prominence in the wake of his failed attempt to be minority leader, and his fundraising prowess, does this seem like a job that Shuler would potentially find appealing enough to leave his congressional seat for? Do you think he’s concerned that Bothwell could beat him in the primary and he’s exploring his options? Or do you think he’s concerned that the Republicans in the General Assembly might gerrymander his district to hurt his chances of reelection? (Some have speculated that Republicans will try to dilute Democratic voters in the 11th district by syphoning a slice of Asheville voters in to the more safely conservative 10th district, which is currently represented by Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry).


http://www.mountainx.com/staffblogs/article/rep._shuler_reportedly_considering_athletic_director_job_at_ut_knoxville#.TguWyHZqcs_

you fucker

I just saw your post & snorted out hot coffee through my nose all over my desk. Thanks! :)

to the universe's monitor.