Veteran U.S. Rep. Bud Shuster, R-Pa., announced Thursday he will retire this month from the 9th Congressional District seat he has held for more than 28 years.

His surprise announcement leaves Pennsylvania with no House committee chairman at a critical time when the commonwealth is also faced with losing two House seats because of the latest Census numbers.

The 68-year-old Republican was re-elected to his 15th term in November; yet less than two months later he announced his resignation.

Earlier notification would have allowed Pennsylvanians to choose a different representative in November's election rather than allowing the seat to remain vacant until a special election can be held to choose another representative.

Shuster, who admitted last year to violating five House ethics rules in connection with lax use of campaign funds and close ties to industry lobbyist and former aide Ann Eppard, said health problems prompted his unanticipated retirement.

As Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman, Shuster secured federal money for airport, waterway and highway bills — including the Interstate 99 project, nicknamed Bud Shuster Highway.

Although Shuster served his constituents well during his time in office, his last-minute retirement announcement is a disservice to Pennsylvanians.

Shuster's late announcement gave his fellow Republicans and Pennsylvanians little time to find someone else to fill his leadership position.

The former congressman announced his retirement just hours before House Republican leaders chose new committee chairmen.

Just five years ago, Pennsylvania's delegation included four House committee chairmen. With Shuster's retirement, Pennsylvania no longer has any committee chairmen in the House.

Thus, Shuster's retirement comes at a time when Pennsylvania could most use his leadership and seniority.

The 2000 Census numbers will cause Pennsylvania to lose two House seats from its 21-member delegation.

Also reducing the number of electoral votes, the loss of seats makes Pennsylvania a less crucial state to win in future presidential elections. Instead of focusing on Pennsylvania during the campaigning process as candidates did prior to the recent election, future candidates might focus more of their energy on states that gained electoral votes.

November's close election depicted just how important a few electoral votes can be. With even this small reduction, Pennsylvania will lose some of its influence in Washington.

Although Shuster used his powerful position on Capitol Hill to serve his district for 28 years, his untimely retirement announcement shortchanges his constituents at a time when Pennsylvanians need his clout most.