September 3, 2008

NC 11th District Representative Heath Shuler was a strong proponent of candidate debates when running against former Representative Charles Taylor.  As an incumbent, Shuler has reversed course by actively avoiding organized efforts, including that of the League of Women Voters, to pin down debates between him and his opponent, Republican Carl Mumpower.

"I admired Heath as a football player - he had demonstrated courage and character," says Mumpower.  "As a Congressman, he has simply fallen into line.  He doesn't walk his talk, and his flip-flop position on debates demonstrates that his word is something he uses to get what he wants, not something he stands for."

"We are going to have multiple debates with Heath one way or the other and beginning this month," says Mumpower.  "My guess is he will avoid the debate issue until the last minute and sneak one in for appearances sake.  Instead of giving the voters honest opportunities to compare the candidate's positions and ability to think on their feet, Heath is going to listen to his handlers and manipulate the voters with an advertising campaign paid for with special interest money."

My opponent has raised about 3 million dollars - 95% of which has come from out of the district," notes Mumpower.  "I call it the 'Buy America Plan' and Heath is an active player.  Nancy Pelosi even gave him $28,000 for this election to reward his good behavior in Washington.  I know Heath talks like a conservative back home, but where it counts he is just the opposite.  Nancy knows that, and if he steps out from behind the money and debates me face to face, a whole lot of other people will too."

Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate

#155

---

Share: