Former Washington Redskins QB Heath Shuler to run for Congress

[Hawkeye-X]

Shuler's political ambitions
Former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler plans to run for Congress.

Shuler, a Democrat, said in a statement Monday that he has filed papers with the Federal Election Commission that clear the way for him to run next year in the 11th Congressional District for the U.S. House seat held by Republican Charles Taylor.

Shuler didn't name Taylor in a press release that emphasized pocketbook issues.

"Far too many families in western North Carolina are struggling to earn a decent living, educate their children and pay for health care," Shuler said. "Congress is spending too much time playing partisan politics, instead of working to find solutions to the real problems facing our families."

Shuler was traveling on business Monday and was unavailable for comment, campaign spokesman Randy Flack said.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2110619

[BillZBubb]

1. Shuler was an awful QB in the NFL, but it's great that he's on

our side! Surprising too.

[Catch22Dem]

2. What a shit pick for the Redskins

Highest paid quarterback at the time, I believe, but wow, he just never materialized as a QB and they ended up going with benchwarmer Gus Frerotte.

I wish Heath the best of luck as a congressman though. If I could vote for him I would. I'm anxious to see how this goes for him.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

3. Let's hope he passes more bills than he passed against the Bills.

There's a joke in here somewhere. :freak:

[evlbstrd]

4. I hope he's better at politics than QB!

Good luck, Heath.

[libnnc]

5. great news for NC he needs help against Charles Taylor

:applause: :applause: big news for NC--it's been in the rumor mill for months now. Will he run or won't he? Word is that he's closely watched John Edwards and has been hot to run for a while now. He's a good guy who has made his home in Western North Carolina.

If he gets enough $$ backing and plays this right, he could give Taylor a serious run for his money. It will be a good effort.

[sleipnir]

6. no...no more sports stars.

I just want some non-rich sports person to run. Like Jim Smith, who is the local track coach at the high school. Oh well...

[snowbear]

8. Bull crap... let him run !!!

Go for it Heath !! ~~~ ~~~

** Awesome! **

[Kickin_Donkey]

7. A white Southern jock and former NFL quarterback ...

is a Democrat? Will wonders never cease ...

Tom Brady of the Patriots is also on our side, I think -- but he's a San Francisco Bay Area boy.

[snowbear]

9. It's the myth of the media and rightwingers that..

Southern good ol boys, and even southern sports stars are all ReTHUGS.

That's what they want you to think! But alas, it's not true. And more and more, it's becoming LESS prominent.

Take Tour De France Star Lance Armstrong for example!!

Why do you think a fellow Texan snubbed Bush's invitation to the WH after he won the Tour last year?

And hey Texas, he's even toying with the idea of eventually running for Governor -- as a DEMOCRAT!

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/7/17/211134/814

[quaoar]

13. I don't know if he has proclaimed a party affiliation

but Dale Earnhardt Jr. did take his whole crew out to see F911 last summer.

[dolstein]

10. Praise the Lord! An athelete who's a Democrat

There used to be plenty of them in Congress -- Tom McMillan, Bill Bradley. But now at the atheletes in Congress seem to be Republicans -- Jim Bunning, Jim Ryun, (formerly) Steve Largent.

[snowbear]

11. Okay we've just given one from the NFL and Lance Armsrong..

And I know there are a TON of both NHL hockey and NBA baseball players who are Democrats...

But I'm stumped here.. Who is the ex-basketball star who occassionlly sits in on the left during political interviews on different shows?? Back when Crossfire was on, he dropped by once in a while... He's still on there; just not as often since it's not an election year.

Anyone know who I mean? Big, tall, good-looking guy...

[Blue_Tires]

12. i feel sorta ashamed

all this time, i had him pegged as a know-nothing 'neck....I'm a 'skins fan, but sadly, i always hated Shuler for 1. Being from NC, 2. Playing for the Vols, and 3. being a terrible bust and keeping the franchise stuck in the rut for years after he was selected...But I guess if he's going to challenge Taylor, he can't be all bad.