Democratic congressman Heath Shuler says he won't seek re-election to House
By Gary D. Robertson, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press Thu, 2 Feb, 2012
RALEIGH, N.C. - U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina announced Thursday he won't run for re-election to Congress in what's become another blow to the conservative wing of the Democratic Party on Capitol Hill and the party's state congressional delegation.
Shuler, a former professional football player and conservative who unsuccessfully challenged House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi for her post last year, announced in a statement that he will not seek a fourth House term representing far western North Carolina.
Shuler said he and his family had discussed him running for governor before deciding against it earlier this week. But after looking at the governor's race, he added, "I spent time with the family and realized I have to be at home more, spend some more time with them." Shuler and his wife have two children ages 10 and 7.
Shuler told reporters in Washington his decision had nothing to do with his unsuccessful run against Pelosi or his occasional clashes with party leaders, who are all more liberal than he is. He was a leader in the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition in Washington, which included moderate and conservative Democrats who lobbied for greater fiscal responsibility in Washington.
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