Poll: Barletta Has Strong Name Recognition For Lt. Governor Run

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta has released internal poll numbers suggesting his name recognition statewide surpasses that of several other potential Republican lieutenant-governor candidates.

A survey by Harrisburg-based Susquehanna Polling and Research (SP&R) indicates 42 percent of frequent and recently registered voters in Pennsylvania know of the mayor. The possible Republican candidate coming in second for name recognition was state Sen. John Pippy, 37th, of Allegheny and Washington counties. Chester County Commissioner Carol Aichele and Dauphin County Commissioner Nick DiFrancesco tied for third at 23 percent.

Mr. Barletta gained nationwide prominence in 2006 after spearheading a city ordinance that blocked business permits to businesses employing illegal immigrants, made English the municipal language and penalized landlords for leasing to illegals.

“I think it’s a fair assumption to make that the attention and recognition that he’s gotten from the immigration issue has contributed to his high name I.D.,â€