Share
The math says that regardless of who wins North Carolina’s May 6 primary, presidential candidate Barack Obama will still have more pledged primary and caucus delegates nationwide to carry the nomination.
Unless, that is, Democratic party “super delegates” (consisting of bigwigs and players in the party nationwide) decide to throw their weight behind Hillary Clinton, which could skew the Democratic Convention calculus in her favor later this summer when the final delegate total is tallied.
Local Rep. Heath Shuler — originally a John Edwards supporter, and a super delegate like all Democratic members of Congress — said on primary eve Monday that he will throw his vote at the convention to whomever among the Democratic candidates wins the popular vote in the 11th Congressional District.
Below, the full text of Shuler’s announcement and rationale, sent to Xpress via e-mail.
— Hal L. Millard, staff writer
—————————————————————————————————————
“As the Congressman for Western North Carolina, my attention is focused on keeping jobs in America and creating jobs in the district by investing in renewable and sustainable energy, ensuring every American has access to affordable health care, and solving the illegal immigration crisis.
“As a Congressman, I also serve as a super delegate in my party’s presidential nominating process. Being a super delegate is not a position I sought when I decided to run for Congress, but it is one that comes with the office. Super delegates are to determine, as they see fit, whom they will support at the Democratic National Convention.
“Early in the nominating process, I proudly endorsed former U.S. Senator from North Carolina John Edwards in his campaign for President, and would have supported him with my super delegate vote at the Convention. Since Senator Edwards suspended his campaign, however, I have not endorsed any other candidate and my super delegate vote has remained unpledged.
“I have now decided to pledge my vote as a super delegate at this year’s Convention for whichever candidate wins the majority of votes in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. My focus, however, will remain on being an effective representative of Western North Carolina in Congress.
“Since the Democratic Party’s nominating process provides for each super delegate to determine who shall receive their vote in whatever manner they so choose, I do not believe that any other super delegate is bound to make a decision similar to mine.
“The process of selecting the Democratic Party’s Presidential nominee has generated tremendous enthusiasm and attracted tens of thousands of new voters to the polls. In North Carolina, over 500,000 votes have already been cast in the primary and countless more will be cast tomorrow. I applaud each and every North Carolinian who has already voted and encourage every registered voter to get out to the polls tomorrow and make certain that their voice is heard in this historic election.”
Commenters email addresses are never displayed. Please do not insert HTML code.
To create a live link, simply type the URL (without http://) and it will be active.
|
Shuler pledges ??? Will he pledge to deate three or more times with Dr.Mumpower? Shuler stated he would have debated The people deserve to hear from both men -face to face - No radio debates!! We have public access tv, open it up to live calls & do a real debate. |
R Bernier May 07, 2008 |
|
Richard, Congratulations on Dr. Mumpower’s victory. I had it wrong, and I’m awfully glad we didn’t make that bet! You worked very hard to help make it happen, so hats off to you. I’m looking forward to a Mumpower/Shuler debate as well. However, judging from the Congressional debate, I’m not sure URTV is the best place to do it. Maybe y’all could bring the cameras to someplace that people can come. Also, I think you’re assuming that Shuler doesn’t want to debate. Your “now we he be a man of his word”, assumes a lack of integrity in the Congressman. It’s unseemly and unnecessary. When the County Commission Republicans refused to debate in Woodfin, I didn’t hear you questioning them, so let’s not pretend there’s some universal principle at work here. That all being said - I can’t wait for the debate(s). I’m bringing popcorn. |
Gordon Smith May 07, 2008 |
|
And in case anyone’s forgotten - Shuler did show up to debate in a big public forum - but Taylor didn’t come. |
Gordon Smith May 07, 2008 |
|
This is a little off topic, but does Mumpower have to vacate his city council seat to run? And he does know that he’s running against on of the most conservative Democrats in Congress? And a quarterback? |
 May 08, 2008 at |
|
To All, The Congressional GOP debate was a very big success for the members of URTV along with the other panel members who did take part of the debate. Click here to view: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-574196779388928505&q=urtv+debate&ei=FUcjSNvTDpP8rQK-x73FAg&hl=en I am proud of the production - I also recived alot of email saying they were happy that they got a chance to hear from the candidates.This event took alot of work from many members of URTV.. Here are direct remarks from your spokesman on your very own blog by the “uptown ruler”. It sad to see you have a diffent view than you fellow co-reporter. RBernier PS… Knowing that any spin other than the truth would be to call the election for Cambell. Its was clear in my eyes of the spin, thus the wager!!
Well, yesterday, I had a most eye opening experience. I, representing BlogAsheville attended, with fellow Scrutiny Hooligan Gordon Smith, the Republican debate at URTV between Spence Campbell, John Armor, and Carl Mumpower. I had expected the entire thing to be tense and uncomfortable, given some of the political leanings of we Scrutiny Hooligans; however, I was embarrassingly delighted by the treatment I received by everyone involved. These guys were class acts. To be sure, there is not much common ground in our political stances, but I have to say these are the type of Republicans my grandparents supported, and meeting them yesterday, helped me understand my grandparents a little better. Political ranting and hooliganism aside, I think anyone of these men would represent the Republican party well. ————————————————————————- I will offer this debate fourm to Mr. Shular & will work close with the “D” party to get this to happen. If they wish, you to be on the panel however, I wouldn’t count on it. I will work together to make the debate to be on a level playing field, as was done in the last debate. I also see rules set in place for the panel due to plugging websites & also getting and handing out papers during a debate, that was just too weird & also out of line. Im glad to have this debate for review to Mr.Shular & his staff, knowing this was the first ever debate from URTV. We all look forward in having several debates before the November election, one in which should happen at URTV. This debate will be aired in Buncombe & Madison Counties along with being on Google video. By just having a debate in a room with 200 to 300 citizens is nice, however by getting this on URTV & the world wide web is far greater. I belive we will even try to stream this live on the URTV will re-air this debate several times thus giving the citizens a chance to view. RB |
R Bernier May 08, 2008 |
|
A quaterback in name only. He was hated in Washington, even before he was elected. ESPN ranks him in the 100 worst draft picks ever. . . Poor Redskins. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=schoenfield/060427 |
May 08, 2008 |
|
Richard, you just like to fight. I didn’t say there was anything wrong with your precious production. I said that it would be good to have debates where people could see them live. You can film it if you’d like. So touchy. You did a really nice job of dodging any of the actual points I made in my comment though. Congratulations again on Dr. Mumpower’s victory. |
Gordon Smith May 08, 2008 |
|
Marc, He doesn’t have to vacate. |
Gordon Smith May 08, 2008 |
|
The syntax is tortured but I think I know what you meant by this: “PS… Knowing that any spin other than the truth would be to call the election for Cambell. Its was clear in my eyes of the spin, thus the wager!” If I’m wrong about this, I’m sure you’ll let me know, but I really thought Campbell would win it based on his fundraising and his blandness. I thought Carl was too unlikeable and that Armor couldn’t raise effective money. I think you’re saying that my prediction was “spin”. It wasn’t. You’re too suspicous, Richard, and touchy! |
Gordon Smith May 08, 2008 |
|
“A quaterback in name only. He was hated in Washington, even before he was elected. ESPN ranks him in the 100 worst draft picks ever. . . Poor Redskins.” UT likes him and that’s all that matters. |
May 08, 2008 at |
|
Gordon, you might want to rethink the logic behind your comment about “...someplace that people can come…” ... If it’s being televised, bubba, people don’t NEED to come, they can watch it at home. ... or in a bar whilst drinking liberally. Anyway, let me congratulate Richard again, he is almost by himself doing far more than the so-called mainstream media to cover local politics. URTV is changing a lot about a good many things. And once our live Internet streaming goes into effect, the best is yet to come. |
 May 08, 2008 at |
|
Ralph, Thanks for your kind words, please keep in mind I focus on the lack or real media within the conserative venue & evening going into arena’s to expand truth while being placed on video. The production was a team effort from everyone, I never knew how much work goes into a debate. Im sure Ralph we can work with Shuler’s folks to bring the congressional debate on URTV. We both have friends across the aisle that we will be talking too. Richard Rodney King is a “king of cash” today with the help of video. The video dont lie which upsets folks when they try to spin Ralph knowing they are video to prove them being caught in a lie. |
R. Bernier May 08, 2008 |
|
Um - maybe this will help… The URTV Congressional debate was super awesome. A lot of people got to meet the candidates who wouldn’t have otherwise, and it was right nice of them to have me over on the panel. URTV is an important media in this area. Now can I say that it would still be better in front of a live audience where anyone could ask unscripted questions? Bring your cameras! I don’t have any say either way, but if I had to choose, I’d say put it in front of live people. Congratulations again on Dr. Mumpower’s victory, Richard. |
Gordon Smith May 08, 2008 |
|
“...I’d say put it in front of live people. ...” what other kind is there? ;-) ... well, okay, the Democratic party here in the mountains has a long tradition of voting dead folks but I’ve never seen them actually CAMPAIGN in the graveyards ... they just took that vote for granted. but, okay, I agree with your point, Gordon… and that’s exactly what Richard is doing in large part, getting out in the field and catching events as they happen in the actual venue. He also has deep support in that he can call on other producers to help, including me (and I have a goodly amount of equipment, plus URTV now has a nice selection of field equipment). There is a place for both types of shows. Sometimes the audience participation things get a bit disorganized, sometimes they bring out good points. We do both. But… personally… I ain’t a coverin’ none of them dead folk rallies! |
May 09, 2008 at |
|
Mumpower vs. Shuler. Dumb and Dumber. This is a choice? |
May 10, 2008 |
|
What’s wrong with a radio debate? I would hope that each of the candidates would make themselves available in NUMEROUS public formats, radio being just one of them. Some of the most important moments in WNC politics have taken place on live radio over the past few years. I don’t get the diss at the start of this tread - and radio debates ARE open for calls. Please help me understand your frustration Richard… |
Matt Mittan May 12, 2008 |
|
Matt, For Richard it appears to be URTV or bust. |
Gordon Smith May 12, 2008 |
|
Matt, Why not URTV Matt? Richard |
R.Bernier May 12, 2008 |
|
Well, I for one, like Matt ... he’s the premo radio voice in this area. But… in his off hours… way down there in the Mattcave, I bet he watches URTV, TOO. ;-) just like I listen to “Take A Stand” several days a week. it takes us all… even crazy liberal bloggers. hmmm… okay, let me get back to you on that last. |
May 12, 2008 at |
|
also—being nice aside—none of the commercial media (for a lot of reasons, most of them economic) cover local politics in the depth that Richard and Gordon and Bobby the Mighty Thunderpig and a few others do. |
May 12, 2008 at |
|
Fellas and gals, who cares about a debate between two morons? The two of them, each in their own sweet ways, are totally reprehensible. Surely we deserve a better choice? I’m not advocating for anyone in particular; I just think it is disgraceful that these are our only choices. |
May 12, 2008 |
