March 6
Barletta: Time to rebuild party

Speaking before packed crowd at GOP headquarters, Hazleton mayor urges Republicans to regain power.

BILL O ’ BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com

WILKES-BARRE – Saying the Republican Party has lost its passion, Lou Barletta on Thursday told well over 100 fellow party members it’s time to embrace the party’s conservative roots and regain political power.

Barletta, mayor of Hazleton, delivered a 15-minute speech at the Luzerne County Republican Party headquarters on Public Square before volunteers, candidates and officials.

“Some Republicans believe the key to our future lies by moderating,â€