Cecil Bothwell, a member of the Asheville City Council, has declared that he will challenge Rep. Heath Shuler in the Democratic Primary in 2012.
Mountain Express
Mr. Bothwell had previously declared an interest in challenging Blue Dog Rep. Shuler as an independent. The ballot requirements in North Carolina can be prohibitive to independent candidates, so Mr. Bothwell has chosen to fight in the primary.
Mr. Bothwell was elected to the Asheville City Council in 2009. His election was contested due to an unconstitutional codicil in the North Carolina Constitution which precludes atheists from holding elected office.
He is a progressive candidate, who supports green initiatives, workers' rights and single-payer health care.
Please keep an eye out for opportunities to support Cecil against the well-funded and well-known Heath Shuler.
Jake