A flood of Republican politicians hopeful for the chance to vie for Bud Shuster's 9th Congressional District seat have caused rumblings this week in the Pennsylvania GOP.

Among the seven candidates vying for the open seat are two Centre County Republicans, state Rep. Lynn B. Herman(R-Centre) and county commissioner Connie Lucas.

Bill Shuster, son of Rep. Bud Shuster, is also seeking support for the Republican nomination for the seat.

Shuster's son officially announced his intentions for the position Wednesday.

When Bill Shuster announced his interest in the position, Blair County Commissioner and county GOP Chairman John Eichelberger quickly responded with accusations that the elder Shuster manipulated Republican officials into supporting his son.

In response to Eichelberger's accusation, Bud Shuster released a statement Wednesday defending his bid for the congressional seat.

"Blair County Commissioner John Eichelberger's suggestion to the media that I have twisted arms for people to support Bill Shuster for Congress is a bald face lie," Bud Shuster said in the release.

Despite the accusations, some do not believe that Eichelberger and Shuster's competition for the Republican candidacy will harm the party's drive to hold the 9th Congressional District.

Herman is still optimistic about loyalty within Republican ranks. "All the candidates have vowed we will support the Republican nominee 100 percent, whoever is chosen," he said.

The current split in the party could still hurt voter support later in the campaign because of decisions made on money and advertising, said Eric Plutzer, associate professor of political science.

Plutzer added that the struggle for the Republican nomination would probably only slightly help the Democratic Party's campaign in a historically Republican district.

Three Democrats have their eye on the candidacy. Centre County Commissioner Chairman Scott Conklin, State Rep. Jeff Coy of Franklin County and Stacey Brumbaugh, a law professor from Blair County, have all announced their intent to seek the Democratic nomination for the seat.

The quest for a Republican Party candidate will continue until Bud Shuster officially resigns on Jan. 31, Herman said.