Shuster bids to keep seat

February 25, 2002|By RICHARD F. BELISLE

The bus used to launch U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster's re-election campaign stopped in Chambersburg Friday so the freshman GOP congressman could make a speech and collect signatures to get his name on the ballot.

Shuster needs the names of 1,000 registered Republicans across the district on his petition. He represents the newly reapportioned 14-county, 9th Congressional District which he said "runs from the Youghiogheny and the Susquehanna rivers and everything in between."

Shuster was elected for a one-year term in a special election in May. He succeeded his father, U.S. Rep. Bud Shuster, who resigned weeks after his re-election to a 14th two-year term.

Bill Shuster defeated Centre County Democrat Scott Conklin to win the seat vacated by his father.

Now he's running for his first two-year term. So far he has three opponents - Democrat John Henry of Bedford, Pa., and Chambersburg Republicans Richard Keller and David Bahr.

About 70 people turned out to greet Shuster's bus at the Orchard Restaurant Friday.

Shuster said his campaign will focus on jobs and economic growth.

"One of my highest priorities for Central Pennsylvania is to promote job creation and economic development," he said. "I believe I was hired to do a job for the people of the 9th District ad I have worked hard to make sure that central Pennsylvanians get the best possible representation.

His speech followed a conservative Republican line, touching on his anti-abortion stance, his support of President Bush's tax cuts and his plan to support Social Security by letting workers invest part of their income in the stock market, a prescription drug plan for seniors, gun control and family values.

The Pennsylvania primary is May 15.

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