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As Democrats scout U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood's district to determine whether they have a legitimate shot at toppling the Tunkhannock Republican, the GOP says it may target Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski next year.
I hope they find a serious challenger to take him on. It is not healthy for the country to have all these "safe seats." The founding fathers intention was for the House of Representativess reflect the will of people every 2 years.
Of course there is an element of payback here.
The interest comes at the same time Democrats have been talking about trying to defeat Sherwood, a married family-values congressman who has become embroiled in an extra-marital affair and lawsuit involving a 29-year-old woman.
Kanjorski has not had a Republican opponent since 2002, when Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta ran unsuccessfully for the seat, losing 56 percent to 42 percent. Despite the loss, political insiders said Barletta made a valiant effort and came closer to knocking off Kanjorski than anyone else.
Mayor Lou is an attractive candidate that has good name recognition in the district. He seems to have done a good job running Hazleton. I'm sure he has some local detractors but who doesn't? But it will all come down to money.
The 2002 showdown between Barletta and Kanjorski became the most expensive congressional race in the district's history. Kanjorski spent $1.1 million to hold onto his seat, while Barletta spent about $500,000, and special interest groups poured in an additional $900,000 running issue ads.
If Barletta doesn't want to run I hope they find another strong candidate to give it a shot. The same in the 10th District. I hope Skrep or Chris Carney takes on Sherwood. I know it is very difficult to beat a long time incumbent but it's worth a try. You never know when something that will affect the race will come out of the blue. Just ask Don Sherwood.
6 comments:
I don't understand how Sherwood even has the nerve to run again. Being someone who strongly stresses family values and turns around and has an affair really turns me off. What is his campaign slogan going to be, "Do as I say, not as I do." Here is someone I have no respect for. Let's just hope that whoever is voted in is someone who looks out for the best interest of the people.
Barletta and Sherwood also have something in common. They both spammed all of epix customers to get their message across.
Any politician who spams as a form of campaigning should be shot at 12 paces.
Just what we need; another Republican hack in the House Of Representatives. Lou Barletta, or whoever, would only serve as an additional vote for the extremist Republicans in the House. Seriously, do you truly believe that Lou Barletta if elected would not do what Tommy DeLay tells him to do? Sorry, but not if my vote has anything to say about it. It is all very honorable and idealistic to want a competitive race in the 11th district; but really, when it comes to keeping these Republican jackals from attaining any more power than they already have--well, you can flush idealism down the toilet. Go Kanjo!
I just think the gerrymandering is wrong. All districts should be drawn to be as competive as possible. I don't think Kanjorski can be beat (barring a Sherwood problem or some other scandal)but we should have choice every election. The only way to hold these guys accountable is to have a competitive election.
Michelle,
Shooting is too good for them. I'm sure you can think of more creative and painful way to take care of them.
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