Jim Hook

jhook@publicopinionnews.com

EVERETT - U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Everett, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and delegate for the 9th Congressional District, has announced his endorsement of Donald Trump for president:

A majority of voters in Pennsylvania and the 9th Congressional District, which includes Franklin County, chose Trump in Tuesday's Primary Election.

Big turnout leads to big Trump win in Franklin Co.

"I join them in supporting Donald Trump for President,” Shuster said. “Donald is a private sector business leader who knows what it takes to get things done - and that is something that Washington desperately needs. Donald also shares my passion for economic development, including making sure our nation’s infrastructure meets the needs of our citizens. It’s time for our party to unite behind Donald Trump and focus our time and energy on defeating Hillary Clinton.”

Shuster, who is nearing his eighth full term in Congress, was also the top vote-getter in the 9th District among those running for delegate to the National Republican Convention. Prior to the election Shuster said he was an uncommitted delegate.

The two other delegates elected from the 9th are Debra Taylor of Montgomery Township and state Rep. Judith Ward of Hollidaysburg. Prior to the election, both announced their intentions -- Taylor for Trump, and Ward for the district's majority vote.

Rep. Shuster likely to prevail in final count

Shuster's announcement included the following statement attributed to Trump: “I am proud today to have the endorsement of Congressman Bill Shuster. As the chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Bill Shuster knows what it takes to make our economy work again. As one of the leaders of the Pennsylvania Delegation, I welcome Bill’s leadership and vision to our team. Bill is a strong conservative voice in Congress, and together we will rebuild our infrastructure and deliver on the promise to Make America Great Again.”

National media outlets have reported that Trump has 35 to 40 of Pennsylvania's 54 uncommitted delegates as well as the 17 statewide delegates. Pennsylvania has more than a third (54 of 135) of all unbound delegates going to the GOP convention. The convention will be held July 18 to 21 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jim Hook 717 262-4759