Shuler & Miller debate on Matt Mittan’s “Take a Stand!”


Congressman Heath Shuler (left) and his Republican challenger Jeff Miller (right) debated on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. on WWNC’s “Take a Stand!” The event was carried live on News Radio 570 AM in Asheville, on AM 1400 in Waynesville and streamed live over the internet. For a podcast, visit wwnc.com.

For live Twitter dispatches, follow Xpress reporter @Jake Frankel or the hashtag #avlelect (live feed below). Photos by Michael Muller

Crossroads

In a tumultuous election year, with Republicans seeking to regain control of Congress, North Carolina's 11th Congressional District is an appealing target. Comprising both urban, Democratic Asheville and the more Republican-leaning surrounding counties, the district is rated “Republican +6” by the Cook Partisan Voting Index. Incumbent Heath Shuler, a conservative Blue Dog Democrat, is fighting […]

Behind the scenes video preview: Shuler, Miller to discuss positions live tonight on WLOS


In a live broadcast expected to reach nearly 100,000 voters tonight, Oct. 14, in the 11th District, incumbent Congressman Heath Shuler and his Republican challenger Jeff Miller will appear together on WLOS in an informal “sit down” with news anchor Russ Bowen. Xpress reporters Michael Muller and Jake Frankel visited the WLOS studios last night for a behind-the-scenes video tour of the studio and to get a preview of the big event.

Duncan, Shuler, WNC sheriffs tout anti-child pornograph­y efforts

At a press conference Friday, Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan, along with other WNC Sheriffs, touted the success of Operation Western Shield, an anti-child pornography effort he says has led to a number of recent arrests. The assembled officials also praised Rep. Heath Shuler, who helped secure federal funding for the effort and spoke at the conference.

Photos by Michael Muller

The Beat news roundup: Grand Old Party poopers

It was a bad week for the Buncombe County Republican Party. The party and its chairman, Chad Nesbitt, were harshly criticized for a 9/11 fundraiser and an associated video; the Board of Elections found their highly publicized complaints over an early voting site to be based on faulty information; and Asheville City Councilman Bill Russell left the party, citing its “antics that demonize people” and “political games.”

We’re sorry

In a perhaps unintended act of irony, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency representatives offered bottled water, chocolates and rubber squeeze balls in the image of the Earth to neighbors of the contaminated former CTS site during a Sept. 9 community meeting. Don Rigger, a key official from the Region IV office in Atlanta, apologized for the […]

Rappelling 9/11 fundraiser creates fallout for GOP

Nesbitt on the Rappelling Tower at the Bee Tree Fire Dept.
Last weekend, the Buncombe County GOP threw a fundraiser on 9/11 at the Bee Tree Fire Station in Swannanoa. The event featured participants rappelling down a 90-foot tower, with donors asked to contribute $100 per rappel. In its wake, the event and an associated video used to promote it have set off a storm of criticism. This post includes a brief video interview with BCGOP chair Chad Nesbitt at the event as he was about to rappel.

Blue Dogs rule?

At an Aug. 26 luncheon sponsored by the Council of Independent Business Owners, Rep. Heath Shuler emphasized his credentials as a moderate "Blue Dog" Democrat who’s willing to buck both parties to do what he thinks is best for the country. Touting his efforts to bring jobs to the region, lower the deficit and reinstate […]