9th
Rarely does it happen that two excellent candidates are pitted against each other. But such is the case in the 9th Congressional District where incumbent Bill Shuster is seeking to retain his seat against a challenge by Michael DelGrosso. Either man would represent the district’s interest well. However, voters in the Republican primary must settle on one. That choice should be Shuster. The main criticism of the two-term Shuster is that he unfairly inherited the job when his father, Bud Shuster, retired after eons as a powerful member of Congress. Had Shuster failed to prove by now that he could wear those shoes we would be the first to call for his replacement.
However, Bill Shuster has come into the role in his own right. He is lucid, knowledgeable of both domestic and foreign affairs, and he takes seriously his role of constituent service and has been responsive to municipal requests. That’s no easy feat for a district such as the 9th, which snakes through 15 counties. He has carved out a niche on the transportation and small business committees, and he is gaining in both respect and stature in the U.S. House.
DelGrosso has fine credentials, as well. He once campaigned for Shuster’s father, attended the U.S. Naval Academy, and has worked as a federal consultant to improve spending efficiency. He has campaigned smartly, obtaining his goal to knock on 10,000 doors throughout the district to talk about his ideas.
DelGrosso’s ideas are sound. He is keenly aware of the economic development needs and brings to the table a recognition of a regional approach. However, there is very little difference between what Shuster currently offers and what DelGrosso proposes to bring to office. Republicans looking for stark differences in the candidates won’t find them in this race. Judging from what they say, either man would represent the district well, but Shuster has already demonstrated that he can do the job. There is no reason for his party to replace him.