Funds lead to another battle in 11th District race
Saturday, 14 June 2008
By NICHOLAS SOHR
Staff Writer
U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski called on his challenger in the 11th Congressional District to return donations from 12 Republican representatives, while Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta questioned large donations to the incumbent from now-troubled financial institutions.
Friday’s dispute was not the first, the two candidates have battled previously over the source of campaign contributions in attempts to link each other to unpopular political and economic figures.
Kanjorski, a Democrat, has repeatedly sought to lump Barletta with President Bush and fellow Republicans in Congress and their low approval ratings. Likewise, Barletta has raised questions about Kanjorski’s position atop a subcommittee with oversight of capital markets and donations he has received from Wall Street banks and lenders.
Kanjorski initiated Friday’s volley, attacking the $29,000 donated by a dozen Republicans who voted against legislation to extend unemployment benefits. The bill passed the House of Representatives 274-137.
“If Mr. Barletta keeps these campaign contributions … it will only show Mr. Barletta’s true colors as a loyal follower of the Republican leadership in Congress,â€