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 […]

The national election begins locally

Gen. William T. Sherman wrote to encourage his friend, Gen. U.S. Grant, saying that Grant’s “chief characteristic is the simple faith in success.” For example, Grant arrived in besieged Chattanooga after the Union defeat at Chickamauga, replaced the general in command and set out to remove Confederates from mountains around and lift the siege. And […]

A council of Mumpowers

I was thrilled to read that Carl Mumpower intends to endorse a liberal slate of candidates in the 2012 state and federal elections [“Mountain ‘X’ Should Change Its Name to Mountain ‘L,’” Oct. 12 Xpress]. Of course he's right. There are far too few liberals in almost every area of elected representation throughout the U.S., […]