In this Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011 photo, Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., speaks about Democrats and Republicans sitting together during President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech, on Capitol Hill in Washington. U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina announced Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 he won’t run for re-election to Congress in what’s become another blow to the conservative wing of the Democratic Party on Capitol Hill and the party’s state congressional delegation.(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)GARY D. ROBERTSON,Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina announced Thursday he won’t seek re-election in what’s become another blow to conservative Democrats on Capitol Hill and the party’s state congressional delegation.
Shuler, a former professional football player and conservative who challenged House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi for her post following the November 2010 elections, announced in a statement that he will not seek a fourth House term representing far western North Carolina.
Shuler said he discussed running for North Carolina governor with his family but decided against it earlier this week.
“I spent time with the family and realized I have to be at home more, spend some more time with them.” Shuler and his wife have two children ages 10 and 7.