The Hendersonville Times-News had a couple of tidbits about next year’s race for the 11th Congressional District seat here in the mountains. Check this out:
The 11th Congressional District race could be one of the most expensive in the state next year, predicts Bob Hall, executive director of the non-partisan group Democracy North Carolina.
The group recently completed a report on the rising cost of congressional races. The report shows that North Carolina’s 13 members of Congress raised $17 million during the 2006 election. Forty percent of the funds came from political action committees that were mostly sponsored by medical groups, utilities, unions, Realtors and political party leaders.
He said the 2006 race between Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynseville, and former congressman Charles Taylor was an aberration. Shuler raised less money ($1.85 million) than Taylor ($4.1 million), but defeated him anyway. Hall said Taylor had “a lot of baggage” but Shuler still struggled for the victory.
“It shows you have to come up with significant funds, even against one with a damaged reputation,” Hall said.
He said he expect the Republican Party will rally around the party’s nominee in the district and raise significant money. Former Henderson County Republican Party Chairman Spence Campbell, Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower and Highlands Attorney John Armor have announced their candidacy for the Republican nomination for the seat, which Taylor held for 16 years.
“I think it could be one of the most expensive in the state,” Hall said. “It is common for a party to go after a freshman.”
And as a reminder, there was this:
Voters in the 11th Congressional District have a chance to hear the three Republican Party candidates for the U.S. 11th Congressional District.
The Henderson County Republican Men’s Club is hosting a debate between Carl Mumpower, Spence Campbell and John Armor. The debate takes places Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the Opportunity House and is town hall format. The public is encouraged to attend.
Don’t forget that Charles Taylor will be hosting his annual holiday dinner at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the Grove Park Inn. Here’s my post and prediction on whether Taylor will run again.