Mumpower prepares for the hot seat

Carl Mumpower claims the Henderson County Republican Men's Club is the "epicenter of Republican politics in the 11th District." When the Republican candidate for Congress steps into that realm Wednesday, he should be prepared for some tough questions.

Since defeating Highlands attorney John Armor and Hendersonville businessman Spence Campbell in the Republican primary, Mumpower has racheted up the rhetoric. He has challenged Republicans on issues ranging from illegal immigration to Guantanamo detainees. He also said he would support the impeachment of President Bush, drawing the ire of some Republicans.

""Yes, I am in a struggle of wills with my party's power structure," Mumpower said in a statement Monday. "My readiness to violate Reagan's 11th commandment about not saying anything bad about fellow Republicans has upset former supporters. I have been clear that if our party will not hold itself and our elected officials accountable to our guiding principles, then I will. It is nonsense to waste time throwing criticism at the Democrats' lawn while ignoring the weeds in our own."

The meeting on Wednesday, which takes place at 8 a.m. at the Opportunity House, was organized to help Republicans understand Mumpower's positions. He faces U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville. Some political observers do not believe the race will be competitive.

Henderson County Republican Party Chairman Robert Danos said Republicans understand that Mumpower is combative by nature, but they want to see that personality channeled in the right direction.

"I think Republicans, in general, are looking for his strategy for the campaign and his plan for victory," Danos said. "Obviously there have been some controversial headlines."

Danos said the discussion with Mumpower might get confrontational, but he wants everyone in the room to be on the same page at the end.

He expects strong attendance.

"I would be surprised if there is not a large turnout," Danos said.

Mumpower, for his part, believes he is on a mission to return the Republican Party to its core conservative principles. He has vowed not to take money from the Republican Party or special interest groups and his campaign is being run by an all-volunteer staff.

"It comes down to keeping government in check, protecting our people and heritage, and looking out for the average person's values and dollars," Mumpower said. "This was the promise we made to the American people years ago, and we betrayed that mission."