The Tennessee Liberal

Now this is a Democrat who can get elected in a red state. Heath Shuler is contemplating a run against Republican Rep. Charles Taylor (NC-11).

It is hard (for me, anyway) not to love this idea. Shuler is a sharp guy, and clearly popular. Plus, the idea of Heath Shuler returning as a Congressman to the city that hated him so much when he played for the Redskins is an incredible thought. He's been a successful businessman in Knoxville since he left the NFL, but I didn't know he had returned to North Carolina.

If Tom Osborne can be a politician in Nebraska, then Heath will do great for North Carolina. He may never be Speaker of the House, but he would be a good Democrat who has the message to get elected and serve well. Plus, Shuler clearly has the advantage of some self-financing:

[Shuler family friend and adviser Randy Flack] added that Shuler's lack of political experience isn't a deterrent.

"He's considering running because he sees that the people of Western North Carolina continue to suffer more and more, with the loss of jobs and plant closings. Education is suffering," Flack said.

He said Shuler is willing to spend his own money if he decides to run. Flack said he didn't know how much his friend is worth, but said he has more than $1 million.

Western North Carolina, especially Asheville, is pretty blue territory. One of the biggest priorities we need to have now as a party is unseating Republicans who have held seats in Dem-leaning districts. If a little celebrity is what it takes to overcome the incumbency advantage, so be it. He's talking jobs, education, and I know from seeing him speaking and meeting him a number of times that he is a person of faith, which matters in N.C.

Any other Dems who could fit this bill? Doesn't Peyton Manning have a house in Ooltewah?