Bill Shuster, Robert Jubelirer and Jerry Stern were the big winners of Election 2002.
Shuster defeated John Henry, Jubelirer defeated Stacey Brumbaugh and Stern defeated Tyrone Borough Councilman Jim Grazier.
Shuster defeats Henry
In a special election in 2001, Bill Shuster defeated Scott Conklin to serve the remaining term left following his father’s retirement from the United States House of Representatives. Last night, Shuster was elected to his first full term as a House member pulling in 72 percent to defeat Democratic challenger John Henry. Overall, Shuster captured 124,115 votes to Henry’s 52,306. In Blair County, Shuster claimed 27,128 votes (78 percent) and Henry gathered 7,411 (21 percent)
“I plan to go down to Washington and continue to work hard to make sure we are doing the things to make the economy strong,” said Shuster. “We’re working to create jobs, and making sure we are helping the folks back home with projects. Our first and foremost responsibility is to make sure our national security is strong. We need to make sure we are doing the right things to protect our homeland. We are working on all that.”
Shuster’s plate is full when he returns to Congress.
“We have a number of other issues to get passed down there,” said the congressman. “At the beginning of the year, we will work on prescription drugs for our seniors, making sure we are strengthening reimbursements for our rural hospitals that are so important to us. We are continuing to work to make sure we have a strong educational system. This is something that is not to be run out of Washington, it needs to be a local and state run system.”
Shuster was very appreciative in the support shown by the constituents of the 9th Congressional District.
“I want to thank the voters of the 9th Congressional District for putting their trust in me,” said Shuster. “It’s been a great experience for me and I am looking forward to head back to Washington to represent you, to represent your values and your beliefs and to aggressively pursue our interests here in the Ninth Congressional District and our region of Pennsylvania. There is a lot of work to do in Washington. I look forward to helping to work to improve the climate for economic development here in Pennsylvania and look forward to working with a republican President.”
Jubelirer thwarts
off Brumbaugh
State Senate Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer won handily over Democratic Challenger Stacey Brumbaugh in the race for the 30th Senatorial District seat.
Jubelirer was elected by a 73 percent to 27 percent margin over the Hollidaysburg attorney to win his eighth consecutive term in the state Senate. Overall, Jubelirer hauled in 47,707 votes to Brumbaugh 17,576. In Blair County, Jubelirer received 24,812 votes (72 percent) to Brumbaugh’s 9,584 (27 percent).
After the resignation of Gov. Tom Ridge, Jubelirer has served the dual capacity as lieutenant governor and senate pro tempore.
“It looks like we are going to be able to continue to do the things we have been doing,” said Jubelirer as he addressed the crowd at Altoona’s Ramada Inn. “Our work is going to be different with a democratic governor. We’re going to have a strong republican senate and it looks like we are going to have a republican house and we’ll be able to continue to do the things we have to do.”
Jubelirer was thankful to the people who helped him in his re-election campaign.
“To all of you who have worked so hard, stood in the rain, stood in the cold, who talked to people, who made the phone calls, who became the volunteers, I thank you. Without you, we could nothing. With you, we can do everything. Frankly, we have been able to keep Blair County and these districts together as a unit working together and I couldn’t be more proud tonight to say that I represent the people of the 30th Senatorial District, the finest people I have met anywhere. I can promise you that the public trust means a great deal to me and I will continue to work as hard as I can to continue this place the very best place to work, and live with a quality of life that is second to none. I thank you and my wonderful team here because they are just great to work with and we work so very well together and we are just very blessed to be able to have an evening like this.”
Brumbaugh congratulated the senator on winning re-election.
“It certainly is the senator’s night,” said Brumbaugh. “I called and congratulated him for winning for the eighth consecutive time. I think that is really something he can be proud of.”
In defeat, Brumbaugh was happy with the steps she made in this campaign.
“I think it is a great beginning for me,” said Brumbaugh. “We got a lot of support. We got our name out there. We worked very hard and I am very proud of the campaign we ran. Everyone who worked for me and everyone who helped I am thankful to. I made sure we ran an above board honest campaign based on the issues. I think that is what we need these days in politics. I will be here. I will continue to work towards public office.”
