Heath Shuler

Heath Shuler is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the Eleventh Congressional District of North Carolina since 2007.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Early life
Shuler was born in Bryson City, North Carolina, a small town in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Athletic career
Shuler's athletic career began at Swain County High School, where he was a standout quarterback. At the University of Tennessee, Shuler gained national attention as one of the Southeastern Conference's top quarterbacks. He held nearly all the team's passing records at the end of his career, although most of were later broken by Peyton Manning. In 1993, he finished second in the balloting for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

Shuler was selected third overall in the 1994 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins, who intended for him to be their quarterback of the future. However, he held out of training camp until he received a 9-year, $19.25 million contract and subsequently seemed to have a difficult time adjusting to the pro level. He lasted through three losing seasons in Washington with the Redskins going 4-15 in games in which he played. After the Redskins released Shuler, he later played for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, although never found consistant success in the NFL. .

Post-athletic career
After retiring from the NFL, Heath returned to the University of Tennessee and completed his education, graduating with a degree in Psychology. He then became a real estate professional in Knoxville, Tennessee. His real estate company became one of the largest independent firms in East Tennessee.

In 2003, Shuler moved back to western North Carolina, where he lives with his wife Nikol and two children.

2006 election
In July 2005, Shuler announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination to run against incumbent Rep. Charles Taylor (R-N.C.) in North Carolina's 11th Congressional district. map On May 2, 2006, Shuler won the Democratic primary with nearly 75% of the vote. 

Shuler defeated Republican Rep. Charles Taylor 53% to 47% to take possession of the seat in the 2006 congressional elections.

Money in politics
cid=N00027655&cycle=2008

Committees and Affiliations

 * House Committee on Natural Resources
 * Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands
 * House Committee on Small Business
 * Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship -Chair
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Highways, Transit & Pipelines
 * Subcommittee on Water Resources & Environment

External resources

 * Heath Shuler for Congress, official campaign site.

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Swankville