Asheville News

Breaking news: Shuler wimps out on debate

Jason Sandford October 13, 2006

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

The Citizen-Times has a story up saying that says congressional wannabe Heath Shuler has wussed out on debating U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor. Here’s the story.

Most of us figured this debate would never come off. But the twist is that its Shuler, the Democrat challenger, who is pussin’ out on the head-to-head match. With a couple of polls showing Shuler with a lead, guess Shuler decided it wasn’t best for him. Let us caution you folks, though, that these polls are meaningless. They’re a snapshot of one point in time, and things are changing constantly.

WLOSers and the newspaper had been trying to get the two together. The newspaper reports that Taylor had agreed to a date and all debate format specifications. But Shuler came up lame.

“We have done six debates and/or forums, and two more are on the schedule,” Andrew Whalen, Shuler’s deputy campaign manager, tells the newspaper. “Unfortunately, Heath is not able to able to arrange his schedule to accommodate this one.”

So much for helping voters make an informed decision.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Pridefest 2006

Autumn splendor

4 Comments

AsheVegas Fan October 17, 2006

Shuler is being used for his name and fame. Sad, but true.

Reply
syntax October 17, 2006

i guess shuler & taylor DID debate tonight in rutherford county! interesting, ain’t it?

Reply
Hamilton October 14, 2006

Well, judging from some of Shuler’s political adds, he appears to be just about as smooth as Bush when it comes to public speaking. He’s got a weird, teleprompter cadence about him. I think a debate would be a disaster for his campaign.

"I was raised with the same Mountain Values that you were."

I was offended. Okay, not really. Nevertheless, it is always a shame when instead of a debate, the good voters are treated only to loads of negative advertising.

Reply
syntax October 14, 2006

i’m with you, ash. both candidates owe it to the electorate…

Reply