Shuler retirement a sign that GOP will hold onto U.S. House
by John Gizzi
Human Events
02/07/2012
It was poignant that Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) announced his surprise retirement three days before Super Bowl Sunday. The onetime University of Tennessee football great and Washington Redskins quarterback explained that after three terms in the House, he would not run again in his Western North Carolina district.
At 40, Shuler explained, “I never intended to be a career politician.” For more than a year, he had made no secret of his desire to do something other than serve in Congress. Last year, he spent time flirting with the idea of becoming athletic director at his old alma mater UTENN. Two weeks ago, Shuler explored (and then ruled out) a run for governor after incumbent Democrat Bev Perdue said she was not retiring.
Now, in becoming the 20th Democrat to announce he is calling it quits this year, Shuler also becomes the latest case in point for Republicans retaining their majority in the House. Of the 20 Democratic-held seats that are now open, more than half are either competitive or leaning Republican. In striking contrast, all of the 14 Republican-held districts that are now open are considered “safe” GOP territory. ...
Remainder of article @ http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=49355
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