Hendersonville Mayor Greg Newman announced he'll run for the 11th District Congressional seat now held by democratic incumbent Heath Shuler.

Newman says he realizes he has his work cut out for him. And he knows he must try to increase his name recognition against a well-known congressman.

Newman says voters are uncertain about the country's future under what he calls a heavy-handed government.

A spokesman for Rep. Shuler issued the following statement regarding Mayor Newman's candidacy:

"It's too early to be commenting about the next general election, which is more than a year away. When it's time, Rep. Shuler will turn his attention towards the campaign. Meanwhile, Rep. Shuler is busy working on health care reform, finishing up next year's federal budget, and trying to create jobs in western North Carolina".Hendersonville Mayor to Challenge Shuler

Posted: Monday, October 12 2009, 04:30 PM CDT