The Heath Shuler litmus test

Jonathan Martin finds conservative Democrats less than jazzed about the possibility of getting a hand-raising visit from Sarah Palin.

If you remember, last week, Palin indicated she was ready to plow through the partisan door to support Democrats with whom she agreed.

So far, none have seemed eager to take her up on the offer.

And if there's a conservative Democratic out there who you'd think would nod his head in her direction, it's pro-life, anti-gun control, Southern Baptist, North Carolina Rep. Heath Shuler.

Shuler, in 2006:

I am a pro-life Democrat and I believe that all life is sacred..... I have never shied away from openly discussing my faith. Throughout my high school, college, and professional career, I have been an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a spokesman for Character Counts. I have spoken to thousands of students across the country, sharing my testimony and trying to be a positive role model for them.

Further, before being elected, Shuler's district was represented by an eight-term Republican incumbent.

Shuler sounds like the perfect Palin Democrat in the perfect, political district.

But when asked whether he'd like Palin to campaign for him, the former NFL quarterback took a throat-clearing pass.

“I don’t think so. You know, look, there may be things we agree on, but there’s a lot of things we disagree on. I’m satisfied by me campaigning for myself in my own district. I don’t need somebody else from, you know — to come into my district."