Meet the Lawmaker

What is your middle name?

Rep. Shuler: Heath is my middle name. Joseph Heath is my name. My father was a Joseph. I’m named after Heath Barkley, the character.

Has God ever spoken to you?

Rep. Shuler: Absolutely. Daily. I think it’s mostly a daily prayer, thought or person in my life. Some people say it’s the subconscious. For me, it’s my relationship with Christ.

How do you like being back in Washington?

Rep. Shuler: I love it. It’s certainly different than the first time. Pressure here is far greater [than all the pressure I faced as a rookie quarterback with the Redskins]. Votes we cast here have a far greater impact than any third or fourth down in the toughest game ever.

If you could have dinner with four people who aren’t your family members, dead or alive, who would they be?

Rep. Shuler: Jesus, George Washington, General R.R. Neyland and I would say Elvis but I won’t. OK, Elvis. Why not?

If you weren’t yourself, which lawmaker would you be?

Rep. Shuler: Not one in particular … I don’t have an answer for that one. We all have equal votes.

Do you have a greatest regret?

Rep. Shuler: Can’t say that there’s a greatest regret …

What is your greatest moment?

Rep. Shuler: I think when my kids were born. I have two kids: a little boy, who is 5 years old, Navy; and a little girl, who is 2 years old, Island.

My favorite place in the whole world is …

Rep. Shuler: Home. Waynesville, N.C.

What’s your least favorite household chore?

Rep. Shuler: Taking out the trash. My wife will say, “Heath, take out the trash,” right when I get settled.