Taylor faces real battle in the 11th

[citizen snips]

It's a political ritual in the mountains of Western North Carolina: Every two years, hopeful Democrats insist that this will finally be the year they unseat U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor.

And then, as sure as the leaves dotting the Great Smokies burst into color every fall, the hard-nosed Republican congressman from Brevard pulls out another win -- usually by casting his latest Democratic target as out of step with the culturally conservative 11th Congressional District.

Taylor is running for a ninth term. And again Democrats are praying 2006 will be the year.

But this time, they might have cause to be optimistic. In fact, some groups that monitor congressional races around the country are calling the contest a "tossup" that could help decide which party controls the House come 2007.

Pundits cite two reasons why Taylor, 65, might have a fight on his hands.

For starters, voters are in a foul mood, which is bad news for incumbents such as Taylor who belong to the party in charge in Washington.

more. . .
http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/484797.html

[struggle4progress]

1. Well, there's a really pleasant thought!

:bounce:

[citizen snips]

2. Congressional predictions from the N&O.

Congressional races: 10 yawners, 3 rivalries

What do the theme song from "The Beverly Hillbillies," $1.22-per-gallon gas and a Heisman Trophy runner-up have in common?

They are all signs of life in North Carolina's midterm congressional elections this fall.

Competitive congressional races are becoming rare -- the result of politicians drawing favorable district lines, the advantages of incumbency and the power of big money.

It has been a decade since a Tar Heel congressman was defeated in a re-election bid -- Republicans Fred Heineman of Raleigh and David Funderburk of Buies Creek lost in 1996

Most congressional races are now as competitive as a Florida State-Duke football game. In 1994, the average margin of victory in North Carolina congressional races was 58-42. In 2004, it was 64-36.

more. . .
http://www.newsobserver.com/622/story/484792.html

[G_j]

3. I usually detest negative ad campaigns

and this started out NASTY from the beginning, but I am rather enjoying this, perhaps because I've detested Chainsaw Charlie Taylor for soooo long.

[citizen snips]

4. I am having to endure some of Vernon

Robinson's nasty tv ads.