Critz considering a run against Shuster

The Hill is reporting that sources in Rep. Mark Critz's inner circle are hinting that he may challenge 9th District Republican Bill Shuster instead of taking on Democratic incumbent Jason Altmire if his district is eliminated during Pennsylvania's redistricting process. Something that I've been following for a while now.

There is no doubt that defeating Shuster is an uphill challenge for any Democrat. But a possible Critz vs. Shuster showdown would be an exciting match up for us political pundits.

It would be an uphill fight. Republicans are unlikely to add too many Democratic voters to Shuster's district, which gave Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) 63 percent of its vote in 2008.

But Critz has proven himself a tough candidate, winning a 2010 special election in a marginal district by eight points and holding onto his seat in the Republican wave election that fall. He is pro-gun rights and anti-abortion rights, and opposed Democrats' healthcare and cap-and-trade legislation in 2010.

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But if there is a democratic candidate out there that fits the mold needed to defeat Shuster, Critz is it. Critz is 100% pro life and pro gun. Eliminating the hot button social issues in the race does even the playing field a bit.

Since Shuster is my Congressmen, I know firsthand that he has always been on shaky ground since taking over for his father Bud Shuster. The Shuster's are starting to be viewed as a dynasty around here, and it is hard to tell what a very anti-incumbency 9th District electorate would do if given the choice between Shuster and Critz. Especially, considering incorporating half of Murtha's old, blue collar democratic district would change the dynamics.

Shuster has been painted as a big-time, pork spending, old guard republican in the mold of his father by his critics. Non more bigger that State Senator John Eichelberger who defeated Senate Pro Temp Robert Jubelirer in 2006 after the pay raise debacle here in PA. Rumors are spreading like wildfire through the Blair County GOP that state Senator John Eichelberger may also be considering challenging Shuster in the republican primary. Eichelberger is not on the ballet this year and this would be a perfect time to take on Shuster.

We will have to wait and see what happens. But all signs points to a very interesting 2012 election here in the "Alabama country" of Pennsylvania.