Moffitt withdraws bid to be on 11th District ballotState Sen. Tim Moffitt, who was among two or three prospects short-listed to become the appointed Republican nominee to replace U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards on the Nov. 3 general election, announced Saturday that he's withdrawing from consideration. "I remain fully committed to serving the citizens of Senate District 48 and look forward to continuing that work on behalf of the communities I am proud to represent." While Moffitt had name recognition in both Henderson and Buncombe counties — the two most populous in the 11th District — his appointment would have triggered an urgent time crunch for GOP leaders to make two more 11th hour appointments. Had he been taken off the Senate ballot, state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom was widely considered to have the inside track to replace him. Both Moffitt's 48th Senate district and Balkcom's seat are considered safe Republican holds in the election, which is 12 weeks away on Tuesday.