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Dispatch From NC-11
May 6, 2026
Posted 2 hours ago by
Beginning to feel like 2006 First things: I was the North Carolina Democratic Party’s Get-Out-The-Vote coordinator for NC-11 in 2006 when Heath Shuler, formerly of the NFL, flipped the seat held by Republican Rep. Charles Taylor. It was a “blue moon” election in North Carolina in 2006. That is, there were no statewide races on the ballot. The congressional race was the top of the ticket.
Meaning I essentially worked for Shuler’s campaign. After eight terms and a series of scandals, Taylor had worn out his welcome. I used to joke in trainings that Taylor’s bank was into fraud, conspiracy, and shady Russian deals before that was presidential. Shuler, local football hero who made good, seemed like a breath of fresh air to WNC voters. Another Republican Charles, Rep. Chuck Edwards, may have worn out his welcome after only two terms. The McDonald’s franchise owner is facing an ethics investigation over allegations of inappropriate conduct with two female staffers. Based on three sources, Axios reports that his behavior “crossed professional boundaries and created an uncomfortable work environment.” A handwritten note to one female staffer reviewed by Axios bears a serious “ick” factor on top of reflecting bad judgment that goes beyond supporting Donald Trump. Edwards’s campaign consultant claims the allegations first reported by Axios are “baseless” and “designed to impact the campaign driven by those who want to settle old political scores.” Edwards added in a statement, “I welcome any investigation, given the professionalism my staff has demonstrated and my commitment to
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