Aug 24, 2016 2 min read

I thought Congressman Bill Shuster couldn’t possibly be any more repugnant. But his campaign described Art Halvorson’s decision to accept the Democratic nomination in the 9th congressional district as being “selfish.”

Excuse me?

How dare Shuster dishonor someone who served with distinction for 29 years in the military, risking his life numerous times as a rescue helicopter pilot in the U.S. Coast Guard. Plus, after 9/11, Halvorson was put in charge of re-organizing the entire U.S. Coast Guard. Then it was his national security plan that was adopted when the Homeland Security Department was established. His national security leadership cannot be belittled or ignored.

Meanwhile, we are to believe that a career politician who has done nothing but enrich himself with our tax dollars and inherit his seat in Congress from his father is a better choice? Hardly.

If Halvorson wins, he will impose term limits on himself, refuse the pension, and end the corrupt Shuster political dynasty.

In April, Pittsburgh’s WTAE-TV captured just one of these acts of corruption in a report on Shuster’s relationship with an airline industry lobbyist. The report linked Shuster’s relationship to bills he has introduced in Congress that benefited the airline industry.

This election is not about a political party. It is about what is best for America – national security, economic growth, the protection of religious freedoms, protection of gun rights and the unborn. It is about future generations.

Pat Leach

Marion Center