Shaner Will Seek Peterson's Seat

January 9th, 2008, posted by Greg Palmer

Patton Township businessman Matt Shaner said Wednesday he will seek the Republican nomination in the 5th congressional district.

Shaner became the first major-party candidate to commit to a candidacy for the seat that will be vacated at year’s end by the retirement of the six-term incumbent, U.S. Rep. John Peterson, R-Pleasantville.

“I wanted to let you know I will be seeking the nomination in the 5th Congressional district,” Shaner said in an e-mail.

Shaner’s announcement came a few hours after state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, said he will not run for the congressional seat. And Benninghoff’s announcement came one day after state Sen. Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, took himself out of a consideration, opening the door for lower-tier Republicans to seek the nomination.

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Odd?

On January 9th, 2008 Greg Palmer said:

Does it seem odd to anyone else that all the big-name Republicans are shying away from running? Usually an open seat brings candidates out of the woodwork, but it’s like pulling teeth up there in the 5th.

C’mon, who wants to be a Congressman?

power

On January 10th, 2008 Anonymous said:

It’s as if all the office holders like the power that they hold and know they will lose power in DC.

lv

Redistricting????

On January 19th, 2008 Anonymous said:

I think what we are seeing with the 5th district is that there is already a deal in place to break up the 5th district after the 2010 census.

Isn’t it logical that the PA state sens and reps would avoid the seat if it was to be eliminated by 2012?????

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