Thread: U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta endorses Donald Trump

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta endorses Donald Trump

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) has thrown his support behind Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
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Pa. congressman Lou Barletta has endorsed a candidate in the Republican presidential primary.


— Pennsylvania congressman Lou Barletta has endorsed Donald Trump for president, describing the billionaire real estate developer as the best candidate for changing how the federal government operates.

Barletta, a Republican whose 11th District includes parts of Carbon County, said Trump can attract Democrats and independent voters who are frustrated with government.

Barletta also expressed frustration with some leaders of his own political party who have sought to prevent Trump — the GOP front-runner — from becoming the Republican presidential nominee. Those Republicans should be trying to understand why Trump has gained popularity, Barletta said.

"We need to listen to the voters instead of elitists trying to tell us right from wrong," Barletta said in a statement released Tuesday by his campaign spokesman.

He's the second member of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to back Trump, joining U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, a Republican from Lycoming County whose 10th District includes part of Monroe County.


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Barletta also said he would like to work with Trump on immigration, a signature issue for both men.

During his tenure as mayor of Hazleton, Barletta drew national headlines for a 2006 ordinance meant to punish businesses that hire undocumented immigrants and the landlords who rent to the immigrants.

He compared the criticism that Trump has received over his immigration remarks and his proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to the criticism directed at Barletta over his own immigration comments and views.

"I hope that together we can tackle this critical national security challenge and stand up for working Americans," Barletta said.


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Earlier in the presidential contest, Barletta had backed former Pennsylvania Sen.Rick Santorum, who ended his presidential bid after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.

Several of Barletta's Pennsylvania colleagues have not yet announced who they're supporting for president. Among those who have weighed in is Lehigh Valley congressman Charlie Dent, who has backed Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

Sen. Pat Toomey and U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, who represents northwestern Pennsylvania, had endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who withdrew from the race earlier this month.

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/m...322-story.html

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