Lou Barletta announces Senate run against incumbent Bob Casey
Updated on August 29, 2017 at 3:15 PM Posted on August 29, 2017 at 2:17 PM
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U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., left, and U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a Republican for the 11th District in northeastern Pennsylvania, are on a collision course in the 2018 election. (Pennlive.com/AP file photos
By Associated Press
U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, a former small-city mayor in Pennsylvania who shot to national prominence by trying to combat illegal immigration through tough municipal laws, announced Tuesday he will run for the seat held by two-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat.
The Republican congressman, a staunch and early supporter of President Donald Trump and co-chair of his presidential campaign in Pennsylvania, said in a campaign video that Casey is being bankrolled by "the most extreme liberal special interest groups in the country."
"Pennsylvania deserves better than an obstructionist senator," he said.
Democrats hit back, attacking Barletta's support of Trump-backed legislation to overhaul the health system.
"If Congressman Lou Barletta thinks voting to raise health care costs for seniors, gut protections for those with preexisting conditions, and send premiums skyrocketing will earn him a promotion, he's in for a rude awakening," said Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesman Max Steele.
Barletta's entry into the race was widely expected after The Associated Press reported last month that he had relayed his plans to GOP officials and activists. He's the most recognizable among a half-dozen would-be GOP challengers to Casey, who's seeking his third six-year term.
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