Carl Mumpower

Carl Mumpower, the Republican challenger for the seat of Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville, announced July 12 that he is suspending his campaign until at least half of the Republican leaders in the 11th Congressional District commit to core party principles.

In a letter to 11th District GOP Chair Stephen Duncan, Mumpower stated that his campaign is on hold until his party formally committd to its core principles and develops a process for holding Republican elected representatives to those principles. 

“This goal matters more than my election to Congress.  There is simply no reason to add another political puppet to Capitol Hill,” Mumpower said.

In a July 15 press release, he added, “The move has generated national buzz and more than a little frustration among party officials.

Following what Mumpower described as “a contentious meeting” of the District Executive Committee on July 14, there was an additional surprise in the form of a unanimous vote to encourage county party organizations to join Mumpower’s “Principles First Campaign.”

Buncombe County representation at the meeting was strong enough to support a vote to be the first to officially adopt his proposal. 

“I am grateful for this strong signal of unity from the district leaders and honored that my home county and the people who know me best were the first to officially get on board,” Mumpower said.

“When we get at least seven more county commitments out of the 15, then the people of WNC will know that our Republican Party organization stands for something they can count on.

“The campaign remains on hold until that foundation is firmly in place, and I will not yield.  It is time for my party to uphold its pledge to the people of America — the fight for ‘Principles First’ might as well begin right here in Western North Carolina,” Mumpower noted.