Published: November 05, 2008 01:36 am      

Shuster handily defeats Barr in rematch

ALTOONA — Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster handily won re-election to his fourth four-year term in the 9th Congressional District Tuesday over Democrat challenger Tony Barr.

With most of the precincts in the district reporting in, Shuster had about a 60 percent voter edge over Barr’s 40 percent in this rematch of a race the two ran in 2006.

The district stretches across the state’s southern midsection from Franklin County west to Fayette County.

“I’m so grateful to the people in the 9th Congressional District for having faith in me,” Shuster said. “I pledge I’ll go back to Washington to make sure their values and beliefs are heard.”

Shuster was leading big with more than 124,000 votes to about 75,000 for Barr.

Barr took an early lead in Cambria County, but Shuster was able to move ahead. Unofficial Cambria results put Shuster at 4,022 and Barr at 3,937.

Unofficial results in Somerset have Shuster at 13,659 and Barr at 6,158.

Early on, Shuster easily took the lead in Blair County, home to both candidates, polling one and a half votes for every Barr vote.

But in other counties – including Cumberland, Mifflin and Franklin – Shuster votes were coming in 2-to-1 or greater over Barr.

Shuster, 47, of Hollidaysburg owned a car dealership before going to Congress.

Barr, 39, of Blue Knob and a teacher in the Everett Area School District, said he campaigned heavily through the district and is pleased with the support he received.

“Obviously we’re disappointed. You put your heart and soul into a campaign and everyone says they want change,” Barr said. “I want to thank all the people who voted for me. Their votes truly humble me.”

In the 2006 general election, Barr also captured 40 percent while Shuster walked away with 60 percent.

The big issue in this race was the economy. Shuster initially voted against the controversial Wall Street bailout package but voted in favor of a reworked bill five days later.

Barr opposed both packages and believed public sentiment against the plan was enough to propel him to a win.