Voters are sending Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) back to Washington, a sign that Shuler passed the test of his critical first term with flying colors.

Shuler grabbed nearly two-thirds of the vote against Republican candidate Carl Mumpower, an Asheville city councilman. Shuler won his seat in the 11th Congressional District just two years ago when he unseated 16-year Republican incumbent Charles Taylor.

Voters overwhelmingly felt that the Swain County native and football hero hasn’t forgotten his mountain roots during his stint in the nation’s capitol.

David Ferguson, a voter in Maggie Valley, said Shuler has done a heck of a job in Washington, and that his stance as a conservative, Christian Democrat mirrors Western North Carolina.

“He votes what he thinks is right for the people,” Ferguson said.

Voters touted Shuler’s vote against the Wall Street bailout package as an example of how he’s in touch with constituents.

“I think that’s what most of his people feel like,” said Gary Peterson, a retired Swain County teacher. “It’s their doings. They created this mess, let them get out of it.”

Swain County small business owner Anthony Tominson also agreed with Shuler’s stance.

“He looks out for this place,” he said. “He has done well for the people of Western North Carolina.”

Voters didn’t have much to say about Shuler’s opponent. Sam Beck, a Jackson County voter, commended Shuler for crossing party lines to help the people of WNC, and added that he didn’t know much about Mumpower. Another voter — Casey Burke, 25, of Maggie Valley — voted for Mumpower in his bid to unseat all incumbents and bring change to the government.

Mumpower, a self-described “maverick” who refused to accept party money to fund his campaign, was largely viewed as a long-shot candidate.

In the end, most couldn’t find a good reason not to keep Shuler.

“”I think he’s done a good job. Why change? He’s been successful,” said Robert Jones, a registered Republican in Haywood County.

“He’s doing a good job,” agreed Amber Rhinehart, a 24-year-old Haywood County voter. “He needs to stay in there. I feel like he can keep doing a good job with more time.”