General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHeath Shuler Retires
By Ed Kilgore
Outside the House Blue Dog Caucus, and the embattled ranks of North Carolina Democrats, the announcement today that Rep. Heath Shuler was retiring at the end of this term is being met with bipartisan huzzahs. Republicans, of course, figure theyll pick up another House seat in a year when they need it. Many, perhaps most, progressive Democrats wish him a not-so-fond adieu as one of the most regular renegades from party discipline, and as an active force for evil on abortion policy.
Personally, Ive never been a big fan of intra-party litmus tests or the various framing theories that suggest Democrats would win a decisive majority if we spoke without a single discordant voice. The only unimpeachable authorities on who is a true Democrat in the 11th congressional district of North Carolinaor anywhere elseare the Democratic voters of that area. And no, I dont think it can be confidently assumed, these days at least, that a Republican replacement could not do worse.
But Shuler, like Joe Lieberman in the Senate (though for somewhat different reasons) is probably the exception who proves the rule. With the sole exception of his vote for Obamas climate change legislation, Shuler broke with his party and its president on just about everything that mattered since 2008. He even voted for the abominable Cut, Cap and Balance resolution that if implemented would inevitably lead to the destruction of every progressive accomplishment since the 1930s. While thats still not grounds for being expelled from the Caucus, it sure would justify, if I were in charge, denying him any perks and privileges associated with Caucus membership, up to and including mens room keys in the Cannon Building. If that sounds petty, too bad; after all, a guy like Shuler would probably use these insults to burnish his reputation as someone wholl stand up to the godless liberals.
Ah, but it doesnt matter now. What should matter now for Democrats is an effort, not just in the 11th district of North Carolina, but in every tough or even hostile district, to find candidates who can manage to reflect their constituents values and preferences, even if they are far from the progressive mainstream, while maintaining some respect for the traditions of their party and its collective interests as an agency for governing. If thats impossible, well, you cant win them allbut you can stop holding out a hand to a colleague for the sole purpose of having it slapped away.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/heath_shuler_retires035165.php#
Good riddance!
11 Bravo
(23,926 posts)Voted to repeal DADT, voted to expand SCHIP including to override Bush's veto, opposed privatizing Social Security, supported renewable energy plans, opposed offshore oil drilling, supported removing oil and gas subsidies, supported limits on CO2, supported campaign finance reform...
ProSense
(116,464 posts)voted to defund Planned Parenthood, for "Cut, Cap and Balance," to defund NPR, against extending unemployment, against health care reform and against the Matthew Sheppard Act.
Voting for "Cut, Cap and Balance" means he isn't opposed to destroying the safety net.
Lint Head
(15,064 posts)JI7
(89,248 posts)it's not like he was trying to keep the seat so dems can at least try to get a majority. he could have voted on the right side if he was going to leave anyways.
maybe he decided recently but still doesn't speak well of him.
marmar
(77,078 posts)nt
RobertEarl
(13,685 posts)Most of the people here are kinda like- 'whatever'.
And it will be challenging to put a liberal in his place.
I may have to get involved in this race if we get a good candidate.