Rep. Shuster Cancels Debate, Echoing McCain

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) has taken a page from John McCain’s playbook, declining a debate invitation, fearing he will be in Washington having to work on legislation bailing out the financial industry.

According to the Associated Press, Shuster will not attend an October 12 debate against Democratic opponent Tony Barr. A Shuster spokesman told the AP that the four-term congressman may need to be in Washington to work on economic assistance legislation.

Though reports indicate lawmakers are near an agreement on a bailout package, Shuster’s move echoes strategies adopted upticket by party leader McCain, who suspended his campaign yesterday, and proposed postponing Friday’s scheduled debate against Barack Obama.

Shuster, who represents Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District, is not expected to be seriously challenged by Barr.

–Michael O’Brien