As seems to happen nearly every election year, the minority party is quipping about their chances of taking control. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic hopes of majority rule are focused in part on the Heath Shuler/Charles Taylor race in Western North Carolina. Outside of poll numbers, which have been claimed by both parties as support for their cause amongst the populace, this race offers a unique look at how a party’s desire to win control by the numbers can influence their support in a candidate. Shuler is quite different than the average Democrat, points out John Hood on National Review Online. In state races, Western North Carolina continues to pique interest, where local races, could swing the state Senate towards the Republicans. The impact of such a turn could affect the future of North Carolina in more ways than one, said John in the Asheville Citizen-Times.
