[Texasforever]

If you compare my background to that of Charles Taylor and Heath Shuler, you will understand my position. You might want to look at Senator Torricelli (2004) and Rep. DeLay (2006) to understand the quandary the Republicans are now in, concerning this race.

You may be right but I am still wondering how you would parlay 20% into 51% in November. You are also close to accusing Tom Delay of being guilty of corruption which is over the line in my opinion.

[Congressman Billybob]

No, I didn't accuse Tom DeLay of corruption. I followed the Torricelli situation in New Jersey closely. I think Torricelli was guilty as sin. I followed the DeLay situation in New Jersey. I think DeLay is a victim of trumped up charges which will eventually be dismissed.

However, the critical question about every candidate going into any election, is this: Can this candidate in these particular circumstances, win this election? DeLay answered that question about the general election as "no," and stepped aside for the good of his party.

Torricelli, being self-absorbed, had to be pushed very hard to get him out of there. The same may apply here in the 11th District.

Now, as to the dynamics of this race going forward, Shuler has been riding on the correct perception that he is more honest than Taylor, and a fresh face. Against me, both of those advantages disappear, and it becomes mano a mano.

I have more than 33 years experience working in and for local, state and federal government. Shuler has zero experience in any of those governments. I won't go into detail about my campaign plan against Shuler. It doesn't apply yet. But when it does, I expect to be the odds-on favorite to win.

All political races are situational. No one runs in the abstract. We all run against specific opponents in specific circumstances.

John / Billybob