The Beat

After months of denying speculation that he wouldn't seek another term in Congress, Rep. Heath Shuler reversed course Feb. 1, saying he’ll retire from office when his term ends in January. “I have always said family comes first, and I never intended to be a career politician,” the Democrat said in an email statement. “I […]

Rep. Heath Shuler won’t seek re-election, will retire from Congress *Updated*

After denying speculation for months that he wouldn’t seek re-election to Congress, Democratic Rep. Heath Shuler (NC11) reversed course Feb. 1 and announced that he will retire from the office when his current term ends in January. *This post was updated Feb. 2 with a video of Democrat Cecil Bothwell responding to the news. With Shuler out of the race, Bothwell is currently the only Democrat contending for the seat.*

Equality NC kicks off “race to the ballot”

Equality NC kicked off its efforts to defeat Amendment One — which would ban legal recognition of same-sex relationships — with staffer Jen Jones running through downtown as part of the statewide Race to the Ballot campaign. The newly opened Asheville office will be the organization’s headquarters for organizing in the Western part of the state.
(Photo by Bill Rhodes)

Keever says experience sets her apart from Bellamy

Rep. Patsy Keever huddled with a group of supporters in downtown Asheville on Jan. 19 to formally announce her candidacy for Congress in the 10th District, which stretches from the mountains to Gaston County. Now she faces Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy and a host of other Democratic challengers vying to be their party’s congressional nominee against Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry in the November election. Photo by Bill Rhodes.

Battles and backlash: Local author Bill Forstchen on Newt Gingrich, politics and history *Updated*

In the wake of releasing the ninth book he’s co-written with presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich, local author/historian Bill Forstchen now finds himself in the throes of the Republican primary. And Gingrich’s huge win yesterday, Jan. 22, in the South Carolina primary, has brought renewed interest to the campaign.