Club for Growth endorses Shaner

Highlighting his pledge to reform the earmarking process, The Club for Growth has endorsed businessman Matt Shaner in the 5th Congressional District race.

“Even without previous voting records, it is clear that there is only one true free-market, economic conservative in this race,” said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey, “and his name is Matt Shaner. "A lot of candidates like to call themselves ‘conservative,’ but don’t take the steps to back up their words."

In a statement, the Club for Growth took aim at GOP hopefuls Derek Walker and Jeff Stroehmann for their “stark contrast” to Shaner.

“Derek Walker, a financial consultant, is opposed to NAFTA and is an unabashed supporter of wasteful pork barrel spending. The other candidate, Jeff Stroehmann, is a proud protectionist, advocating policies that would cripple central Pennsylvanian export,” read the statement.

Other GOP contenders for the seat being vacated by retiring Rep. John Peterson are former Centre County commissioner Chris Exarchos, minister Keith Richardson, Clarion Mayor John Stroup, and Centre County GOP Chairman G.T. Thompson.