Mumpower to explain his ways

Henderson County Republicans promise the "hot seat" for 11th Congressional District Republican nominee Carl Mumpower when he appears at a forum next week.

Henderson County Republican Men's Club president Phil Stanley said last week that the club had invited Mumpower to the meeting Wednesday.

"We'll give him the entire hour to explain himself and convince us," Stanley said. "I told him it's going to be really hot."

In a news release, Stanley said that Mumpower's campaign "invites critical questions from those concerned that his campaign strategy is alienating the Republican base more than highlighting Heath Shuler's chameleon-like political nature in promoting conservative values at home while supporting the liberal progressive mantra championed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"It's obvious that Heath's acquiescence keeps the earmarks and the photo ops in the pipeline especially as election time approaches. We will ask Dr. Mumpower, is this a winning strategy?"

Mumpower, an Asheville city councilman, has riled some in his party with his unconventional approach.

He said he favored impeaching President Bush over immigration policy failures, has called the Iraq War a mistake (though not favoring immediate withdrawal) and opposed the border fence as a Berlin Wall-like barrier.

Mumpower said he looks forward to the chance to speak.

"There are a lot of folks who are angry with me for raising concerns about our elected officials," Mumpower said.

He sees his mission as larger than the 11th district race.

"I have the wheel by having the honor to be the Republican nominee in the 11th district race," he said. "I have this opportunity to illuminate my priority, which is to have the 11th district lead the way on reclaiming the real Republican Party."

The meeting is at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Highway.

"If you join us, expect a riveting, defining and hopefully unifying moment," Stanley said.