As far as Democrats go, Heath Shuler gives conservatives some reasons for cheer: he’s pro-life, pro-gun, and stopped voting for Nancy Pelosi to be Speaker. But he represents a deeply conservative section of western North Carolina, and his lifetime ACU rating is only 28.5.
In an R+6 district (and because of geography, the district can only change so much when the lines are redrawn), it would be low-hanging fruit for a conservative Republican candidate in an open seat race.
That seat might just open up, as Shuler is reportedly interested in a high-profile, non-political job, according to a Knoxville, Tennessee sports radio host Tony Basilio:
Yes, Shuler is in play. Yes he did call Phillip Fulmer and Johnny Majors to get their thoughts on this potential opportunity but he hasn’t been offered the job. In fact, Tennessee hasn’t ‘offered’ the job to anybody as of yet. I was told last night that UT is being ‘as deliberate as possible’ in this search for the next AD. In fact my source stressed to me that ‘we promised we were going to take our time and find the right person and that’s just what we’re going to do here.’ OK. Hard to argue with that…
But, the memo here is don’t count out Shuler. He’s on the radar screen and anything can happen. I wouldn’t rule out anyone but Fulmer at this point. Lang Wiseman could still get that job before it’s over.
For those not familiar with Shuler’s ties to the University of Tennessee, Basilio runs down his resume: “Former Vol All American QB. Loved equally by Johnny Majors and Phillip Fulmer. Left UT as perhaps the most popular player in school history to that point. A household name in both college and professional football. An almost Heisman Trophy winner (finished 2nd) during his time on The Hill.”
I suspect the NRCC will be offering opposition research on the other possible UT athletic director candidates…
Heath sees the hand-writing on the wall, and this is stepping stone to become UT coach eventually after Dooley is fired or leaves
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseCongressman, your phone is ringing and there's a "Nancy" on the line.
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Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseGiven that Shuler scored a 16 on his Wonderlic when he went through the NFL draft, I doubt he realizes much of anything. A 16 puts him at the bottom of the normal range, qualified for such work as sweeping floors, loading trucks and pushing a colored button on command.
Sadly, it also qualifies him to be a Congressman.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseLOL at my buddy Basilio being quoted on NRO. Too funny!
If Shuler is indeed trying to wedge himself into the AD job then it's due to the redistricting that is occurring in North Carolina. I also understand he may have primary opposition in 2012.
As Jim alluded to, much of Shuler's district is conservative, but the city of Asheville is a major exception--it's the lib capital of western Carolina.
As a UT fan, I believe Shuler's a long-shot at best to be named AD. Lord I sure hope so.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseMarco,
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI'm a Georgia fan and I wouldn't wish Heath Shuler on UT as AD. I also live close enough to Knoxville that this is a daily topic on our local sports radio station and his is NOT a name I've heard discussed.
Jim may be right that Shuler wants an excuse not to run, but word in Big Orange country is that the university is looking for someone with experience in running a major college athletic department in the face of NCAA penalties, not someone with experience running up major debt for other people to pay later.
I live in Big Orange Country and let me just say that I haven't heard a soul mention Heath Shuler as a possible AD for UT. And, speaking as a Georgia fan, I hope UT doesn't choose him. I'd like to win on the field, by talent and hard work, not by default.
OTOH, they did go out and hire a Shuler-era coach to take over the baseball team, so who knows? It's possible the search committee is looking to return to the glory days and Shuler would fit in with that.
Still, I wouldn't pick a politician if I were trying to give the NCAA reasons to think my university is honest and deserves the least possible punishment.
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