Published: October 29, 2008 11:20 pm      

Shuster fundraising far outpacing Barr

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Fundraising for 9th Congressional District incumbent Republican Bill Shuster far outpaced that of challenger Democrat Tony Barr, but much of the Shuster money is being shifted to help other House Republicans nationwide.

Campaign reports filed through Oct. 15, the latest information available, show that Shuster, of Hollidaysburg, seeking his fourth term in office, raised net contributions of $898,604 in recent months.

Barr, of Blue Knob, filed reports showing him at $41,375 in net contributions during the same time, money raised by Friends of Tony Barr.

The reports were filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Net operating expenses for Shuster are $790,706 for this election season, while Barr has net expenses of $31,998.

Itemized expenditures filed by Shuster show his committee gave financial contributions to local Republican groups across the district and to House candidates in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Mississippi and elsewhere.

Campaigning by both parties had been relatively quiet, but television ads now are airing regularly.

Some of the money raised by the Barr campaign was via ActBlue, a Cambridge, Mass.-based political organization that supports Barack Obama for president and describes itself as an online clearinghouse for Democratic action.

He also received $14,000 from labor unions including steel, iron, electrical, machinists and communications workers.

The transportation industry was a heavy supporter of Shuster’s re-election bid with about two dozen people and companies contributing just less than $40,000. The support reflects Shuster’s position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.