Shuler going back to D.C. a winner

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler is returning to the nation's capital as a congressman representing Western North Carolina. Shuler, a conservative Democrat from Waynesville, defeated veteran Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor, a banker and timber producer from Brevard.

Shuler talked with The News & Observer's Lynn Bonner on Wednesday:

Q: How will you work with the liberal wing of the Democratic Party?

A: I think it's so important that we look at every issue item by item to make sure that we're representing the people of our district.

Q: Do you worry that liberal Democrats will shut out the moderates?

A: We learn from history. It's a great teacher. We've seen what history has given us in the last six years. We know it's important to have the moderate Democrats to be a part of the relationships in Congress and to have bipartisan support across the aisle. Too much partisan politics have created the situation there is today. There's going to be a lot of work ahead for us to straighten out the mess we've been handed.

Q: What do you think about the Redskins fans who started the "Stop Shuler" Web site to keep you from returning to the scene of your disappointing football career?

A: We did an interview (that was posted on the Web site). It was a lot of fun.

Q: Your thoughts about looking back on your seasons there?

A: It's one of those things, you have to learn a lot about yourself. I was able to fulfill a childhood dream and a lifelong dream. When you have injuries and things go wrong, it doesn't always happen that way. That was entertainment, and this is an opportunity to help a lot of people.

Q: Will you have a better time in Washington this time around?

A: It's already started that way.