News-Record.com

Heath Shuler's decision against running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Richard Burr next year is wise for him and likely good for North Carolina Democrats.

Shuler, the second-term Democratic congressman from Waynesville in the 11th District, likely can keep his seat as long as he wants. The former football star is personally popular and holds political views that fit nicely in an area that for a long time elected Republicans.

It would be a risk to give up that seat to challenge the Republican Burr.

Doing so also could split North Carolina Democrats. Shuler is much too conservative for many of them. He was one of a handful of House Dems to oppose the recent stimulus plan, and he's pro-life -- a serious negative among liberals. It's very doubtful Shuler would win the party's nomination without a tough and costly fight, and he might not win it at all. If he did, much of the party's left wing would be unenthusiastic about supporting him in the general election.

Now Shuler can build seniority in the House and give Nancy Pelosi headaches.

Democrats can find someone more liberal to run against Burr.

Except in moderate-conservative districts, a moderate-conservative Dem like Shuler just causes too much confusion.