Shuler received 129,693 votes (54.49%) to Miller’s 109,217 votes (45.71%).

During his campaign, Miller, of the family business Miller’s Fine Drycleaning based in Hendersonville, had vowed to “Repeal and Replace” the healthcare reform package passed by Congress earlier this year and put forward his proposals to “Put America Back to Work”.

The National Republican Congressional Committee had granted Miller “Young Gun” status and on 23 September he gained the endorsement of former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.

After the result, Miller told his family, friends, employees, campaign staff and supporters at the Mountain Lodge in Hendersonville that his run for office was an experience he would never forget.