Shuler's big smile and easygoing personality has struck a chord with citizens, as he currently holds a lead over Charles Taylor, who has held the Congressional seat for 15 years. Sitting in his offices in Asheville, NC, the energetic Vol alum was eager to share his beliefs and stories.

"I'm running for Congress because someone has to stand up for the working class people of this district," said Shuler. "Too many jobs are leaving North Carolina, and someone needed to step up and try to change things. That's why I'm running for Congress."

Shuler's strength is not only in his charismatic and upbeat attitude, but in his work ethic and leadership skills, both of which he says he learned while at Tennessee.

"Work ethic was big at Tennessee," Shuler said. "Coach Cutcliffe stressed tempo and work ethic all the time. You can see that now in this year's Tennessee team. They are leaner, faster, and they play hard every play. Coach Cuttcliffe always said the key to a good offense is tempo, and he always stressed having a strong work ethic."

Shuler's day is a long one, but one he obviously seems to enjoy.

"We talk to everyone we can find," he said. "We like going to coffee shops, stores in little towns, anywhere across the district, talking to people and getting the gossip. It's better information than any poll. It's a four hour drive from one side of the district to the other, but we'll go to as many places as we can. We'll talk to teachers and find out what they would like to see in schools, and we'll talk to working people all over and get their feelings on a lot of issues."

While this campaign has been dirty at times, Shuler is completely unfazed by the mudslinging.

"It's something you expect," Shuler said. "When you walk into Athens or Birmingham, the fans are trash talking you all game long. You become used to it. That's what helps in politics as well. You know there will be mudslinging, and you're prepared for it, so it doesn't bother you as much when it happens."

Shuler's been a resident of Washington before, having played for the Redskins in his NFL career. However, this time, he plans to head to Washington on a much more serious agenda.

"Football was great to me, and I was blessed to have played it," he said. "But anything that we'd do in Washington is so much more important. As great as the thrills of football have been, we're talking about affecting the everyday lives of Americans when you're in Congress."

However, Shuler did have some good things to say about the current group of Tennessee Volunteers.

"Much leaner, much quicker, much more in tempo," he said. "They looked good last Saturday. Coach Cutcliffe really got them back in shape. He has already made a huge difference."

As has Cutcliffe's protege. The confidence and work ethic just comes out naturally in the former Tennessee quarterback. He seems focused to have a long, successful career, should he return to the nation's capital