Heath Shuler

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Heath Shuler

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 11th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 4, 2007–
Preceded by	Charles Taylor
Succeeded by	Incumbent

Born	December 31, 1971 (age 35) Bryson City, North Carolina
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Nikol Shuler
Religion	Southern Baptist

Joseph Heath Shuler (born December 31, 1971) is an American politician and former professional football player. On November 7, 2006 Shuler was elected to the United States House of Representatives to represent North Carolina's 11th congressional district (map). Shuler defeated 8-term Republican incumbent Charles H. Taylor. The district, based in Asheville, includes most of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina.

A former National Football League (NFL) quarterback and real-estate investor, Shuler was born in Bryson City, North Carolina, a small town in the Great Smoky Mountains. Shuler attended the University of Tennessee from 1990-1993.

1 Athletic career
2 Post-athletic career
3 Politics
4 Electoral History
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Athletic career

Heath Shuler's athletic career began at Swain County High School. He was a standout quarterback who drew plenty of scout attention. Shuler chose to sign with Tennessee.

At the University of Tennessee, Shuler gained national attention as one of the Southeastern Conference's top quarterbacks. He held nearly all Volunteer passing records at the end of his career, although most of them have since been shattered by Peyton Manning. In 1993, he came in second in the vote for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

Shuler was selected third overall in the 1994 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He held out of training camp until he received a 7-year, $19.25 million contract and subsequently seemed to have a difficult time adjusting to the pro level. The coaching staff lead by Norv Turner did nothing to help Shuler. With no offensive weapons and an unsupportive group of fans, Shuler never flourished. After the 1996 season, Shuler signed with the New Orleans Saints. With even less talent than in Washington around Shuler, statistics were just as bad. He suffered a serious foot injury during the 1997 season in New Orleans and went through two surgeries.

After being unable to take the field due to his foot injury in his second season in New Orleans, Shuler signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he reinjured his foot in training camp and retired. As a pro, his career passer rating was a low 54.3 and in 2004 ESPN rated him the 17th biggest 'sports flop' of the past 25 years. ^[1]

[edit] Post-athletic career

After retiring from the NFL, Shuler returned to the University of Tennessee and completed his education, graduating with a degree in psychology. He then became a real estate professional in Knoxville, where he had starred in college. His real estate company is one of the largest independent firms in East Tennessee.

In 2003, Shuler moved back to western North Carolina. He now lives in Waynesville, North Carolina with his wife Nikol and two children, Navy and Island.

[edit] Politics

In July 2005, Shuler announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination to run against Taylor. The district covers most of the Western North Carolina mountains where Shuler grew up.

On May 2, 2006, Shuler won the Democratic primary with nearly 75% of the vote. In the campaign, Shuler repeatedly attacked Taylor for putting the interests of the Bush administration above those of the 11th, and pledged to be an "independent voice" for Western North Carolina. Shuler is a somewhat conservative Democrat, so Taylor's attempts to brand him as a liberal and an extra vote for Nancy Pelosi didn't work, as they had against Taylor's past challengers. In the November election, Shuler won with 54 percent of the vote to Taylor's 46 percent.

In interviews, Shuler has stated he is a Democrat because of the influence of his grandmother, who taught him that the Democratic Party had always fought for the poor and disenfranchised. However, he supported candidates from both parties in Tennessee, and Republican strategists had even tried to recruit him to run as a Republican on several occasions.

Shuler is fairly conservative on social issues. A devout Southern Baptist, Shuler opposes abortion. He also supports gun rights and has vowed to fight for balanced budgets as part of the "Blue Dog Coalition," a group of moderate and conservative Democrats. He also takes a hard line on illegal immigration. However, on economic matters, Shuler tends to vote more with his party.^[2]

Owing to his success in real estate, Shuler was named chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship.^[3]

[edit] Electoral History

2006 Race for U.S. House of Representatives - North Carolina 11th District
- Heath Shuler (D), 54%
- Charles H. Taylor (R) (inc.), 46%

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Preceded by Charles H. Taylor	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 11th congressional district 2007 – present	Incumbent