A Republican congressman visited the North Carolina mountains Tuesday talking to potential candidates to oppose Democratic congressman Heath Shuler.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, of California's 22nd District in the Bakersville area, chairs the recruiting committee for the National Republican Congressional Committee. He, along with a small delegation, was traveling throughout the Midwest and South looking for strong candidates "in districts that trend Republican, but don't have Republicans in it."

"This will be a better election cycle for Republicans than the last two years," McCarthy said.

Republican strategists say they're taking a grassroots approach to recruiting for the 2010 congressional cycle. They want to meet with candidates and learn about their districts.

"You can't get the feel of the district without going there," McCarthy said.

The 11th District is a tantalizing target for Republicans because of its history of voting for conservatives. The district went strongly for McCain-Palin over Obama-Biden in 2008 while also re-electing Shuler by a wide margin.

The Republican recruiters are meeting with Hendersonville Mayor Greg Newman, former state Sen. Charles Thomas and Henderson County District Attorney Jeff Hunt. All three have expressed an interest in running against Shuler, although Hunt says he is leaning toward running for re-election as the top prosecutor.

"We sit down and talk with them," McCarthy said. "It is better to go face to face."

Henderson County Republican Party Chairman Robert Danos is meeting with McCarthy and the rest of the Republican delegation during the visit. It is a positive sign that the national party has taken an interest in the 11th District so early in the congressional cycle, Danos said.

"I am excited to meet with Congressman McCarthy and with the folks from the NRCC," he said. "My role is to help the NRCC understand this district."

McCarthy acknowledges that Shuler could be a tough opponent. The former NFL quarterback is a moderate Democrat who supports gun rights and opposes abortion. Shuler voted against the bank bailout bill and the stimulus bill and has been a strong proponent of fiscal restraint.

"It's not the easiest seat for us to win," McCarthy said.

Democrats picked up a large number of congressional seats in 2006 and 2008. Shuler ousted eight-term Republican incumbent Charles Taylor in 2006 and won re-election in 2008.

"The Democrats have a large number of seats to defend," McCarthy said. "The party out of power historically has fared better in an off-year election."

The Democrats hold 257 of the 435 congressional seats. The Republicans must take back 40 seats to regain the majority, and McCarthy believes the party will be competitive in 2010.

"To get 40, you don't pick out 40 seats, you pick out 80," McCarthy said.

The Tea Party and frustrations expressed at recent town hall meetings on health care demonstrate a growing discontent with the Democratic majority, he said, and highlight an opportunity for Republicans.

"There is a growing frustration of spending more money and not finding solutions." McCarthy said.

He expects one or more of the candidates will make a decision on running in the near future.