Campaign

Shuler opponent on hiatus

by Michael O’Brien - 07/14/08 7:23 PM ET

A once-promising House target is looking more and more jeopardized for Republicans thanks to a maverick candidate.

The GOP nominee to challenge first-term Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) said he has suspended his campaign until half of the counties in the 11th district sign on to his list of “core principles” of the Republican Party.

{mosads}Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower said that while he would not send a letter to the Republican Executive Committee formally suspending his campaign, he would not send out any letters, do any fundraising, advertise or seek any direct involvement of the Republican Party.

“I’m serious,” Mumpower said. “I’ll fight my party first, and then take on my opponent after we’ve accomplished that job.” He added that he intends to remain on the ballot and win the election, and he will resume campaigning if the party signs onto his principles.

Eleventh congressional district Republican Executive Committee Chairman Stephen G. Duncan said the committee would meet Monday night to discuss the matter. That meeting occurred after The Hill’s press time.

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“There appears to be a debate between some of Carl’s beliefs and how they should be interpreted and applied,” Duncan said.

Duncan also said that if Mumpower were to formally submit a letter suspending his campaign, Mumpower’s status as the Republican nominee might be jeopardized. Mumpower said that a process is in place to install a new Republican candidate, if necessary.

Shuler was swept into office by the Democratic wave in 2006. The district is one of the most conservative in the nation currently held by a Democrat.

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