House Transportation Chair Bill Shuster meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
Republican Rep. Bill Shuster has had a rough couple of years, and things are only getting worse for him. Shuster turned back an underfunded primary challenge from Art Halvorson by an unimpressive 53-35 margin, with Travis Schooley taking the rest. While Shuster's ability to get transportation appropriations for his rural conservative district was once a political asset, Halvorson and Schooley attacked him as an
out-of-control spender.
Shuster's image as a corrupt insider was only reinforced after news broke that not only was the divorced congressman dating an airline lobbyist, he used his post as chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to fast-track a bill she favored (Shuster says she never lobbied his office after they started seeing each other). Halvorson has talked about running again, but he's ready to drop out in favor of a stronger candidate.
The Hill's Scott Wong reports that wealthy businessman Tom Smith, who was the Republican nominee against Sen. Bob Casey in 2012, is "seriously thinking about" running. While Smith hasn't said anything publicly about his plans, Halvorson confirms that the two met and says he'd back Smith "100 percent" if he jumps in. Given how poorly Shuster did against Halvorson even before the airline lobbyist story broke, it's a good bet he'll be in real trouble if Smith runs. And while Schooley talked about running again in January, he's instead seeking a post on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners this year.
If Smith gets in and has a clear shot at Shuster, the incumbent is going to need to work very hard to win here. Romney won this seat 63-36, so Team Red shouldn't have any problem holding it regardless of what happens.