The quest for a seat in Congress representing North Carolina’s 11 district is one of the most hotly contested ones in the region.

With the retirement of incumbent U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat,  and redrawn district lines that puts many of Asheville's Democratic-leaning precincts in another district, the wide-open seat sparked a vigorous campaign.

In the primary election, eight Republicans and three Democrats were vying for the right to represent their parties. Mark Meadows, a Highlands small business owner, was the highest GOP vote-getter in May, but his margin wasn't enough to avoid a second primary in July, which he won handily.  Hayden Rogers, Shuler’s chief of staff, handily won the May primary.

Both Rogers and Meadows have been campaigning almost nonstop in the ...