Ashvegas reports that state Rep. Tim Moffitt (R-Buncombe) asked his Democratic challenger Brian Turner to withdraw from the race for N.C. House District 116 last month.

According to sources familiar with the conversation, Moffit then warned Turner that third-party groups outside the Republican’s control would “nuke” Turner and his family.

Via Ashvegas:

Moffitt and Turner met at Travinia restaurant in Biltmore Park about 3 p.m. on Feb. 24. King, who has touted the fact that he has friends on both sides of the political aisle, acted as a go-between and was also at the table. The meeting was ostensibly a pre-campaign get-together for the two candidates to say hello. But over an appetizer and iced tea – sweet for Turner, unsweetened for Moffitt – Moffitt asked Turner to withdraw from the race. Turner declined. The conversation continued, with Moffitt suggesting that Turner might fulfill a desire to serve the state through some other state job, according to sources familiar with the meeting. (Turner resigned his job as a vice chancellor at UNC Asheville to challenge against Moffitt, his first run for political office.) Moffitt went on to say that third-party groups he couldn’t control would “nuke” Turner and his family, according to the sources. Turner is married and has a daughter.

Ashvegas – Moffitt asked Turned to withdraw from N.C. House race

Update 3/12:

Brian Turner confirmed details about his meeting with Rep. Tim Moffitt on The Pete Kaliner Show Wednesday evening.

Listen to the interview (begins at 22:08):