Meadows seeks front runner status

Thursday, 16 February 2012 Written by Chad Simons — Staff Writer

GOP candidate seeks to grab open NC-11 seat.

Republican Congressional candidate Mark Meadows – a Jackson County real-estate investor – is attempting to gain some traction and separate himself from the rest of the GOP field, which includes seven other challengers, before the May primary. Meadows’ greatest strength thus far may be his ability to self-finance his campaign and raise additional money, an asset that has become crucial for anyone seeking political office to have in the modern era.

Indeed, 78 percent of Meadows’ campaign money raised came from his wallet. The latest campaign finance report released on Dec. 31, shows that his campaign has more money on hand with $321,832 than any other candidate.

Hayden Rogers Announces Candidacy for Congress

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Shuler’s Chief of Staff to Seek 11th District Seat

Hayden Rogers, a Robbinsville native and longtime chief of staff to Congressman Heath Shuler, announced his candidacy for Congress last Thursday, Feb 9 for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

“It has truly been an honor to work on behalf of Western North Carolina alongside Congressman Shuler for the past six years. As a proud North Carolinian, I am humbled to have the opportunity to continue fighting for the families across the 11th District,” Rogers said. “I have seen first-hand how broken the political process can be in Washington. The divisive partisan gamesmanship does nothing to meet the challenges before us as a nation. Future generations of Americans are depending on us to face those challenges sincerely and directly. I will work across the aisle and with all honest people to solve them.”

Cecil Bothwell comes to Franklin

Thursday, 09 February 2012 Written by Chad Simons — Staff Writer

Voters question Bothwell’s chances against the GOP.

Cecil Bothwell, Democratic candidate for the 11th Congressional District of Western North Carolina (WNC) and current Asheville City-Councilman, hosted a town hall last Thursday, Feb. 2, at Macon County’s Public Library. About an hour before the town hall meeting began, Bothwell’s main opponent, sitting Democratic incumbent Heath Shuler, announced his decision not to seek a fourth term in office. Shuler’s decision definitely shakes up the congressional race, and could be a big boost for Bothwell, as the challenger is now the only Democrat in the race and has been actively campaigning for 10 months.

Congressman Heath Shuler will not seek re-election

Thursday, 09 February 2012 Written by Brittney Parker — Staff Writer

Shuler’s Chief of Staff Hayden Rogers debating a run for office in 2012

Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC11) announced last week that he would not be seeking re-election in 2012. Shuler, assumed office on January 3, 2007 after defeating long-time Republican, Charles Taylor. Taylor had previously served in the seat for 16 years before Shuler won the seat.

While speculation surronding Congressman Shuler potential candidacy for Governor for the state of North Carolina after Bev Perdue announced she would not seek re-election, he was at his Waynesville home with his family making the decision to not only not run for Governor, but to also not seek another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Last week I spent a lot of time at home with my family discussing the possibility of running for governor of North Carolina,” said Congressman Shuler. “This time of reflection and prayer gave us the opportunity to talk about the best course of action for us as a family moving forward. It was during this time that I reached the decision not to seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012.”