Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district is a relatively safe seat for the Republicans. In 2004, for example, the Republican candidate, former businessman Bill Shuster, won a convincing majority over his Democratic opponent winning 70% of the vote. In 2006, he defeated teacher Tony Barr 60%-40%. Shuster was first elected to the district in 2001. According to the Cook Partisan Voting Index, the 9th is the most Republican district in Pennsylvania (and the Industrial Midwest), with a score of R +17.