Paul “I saved the world” Kanjorski, the forever-incumbent Democrat from Pennsylvania’s northeastern 11th district, is finally looking vulnerable this cycle. And Lou Barletta, his challenger — for the third cycle in a row — seems poised, confident, and most tellingly, low-key. The NRCC smells blood in the water.
But more than anything else, Barletta’s third time seems likely to be a charm mainly thanks to Kanjorski’s own souring reputation with his constituents. This, despite the fact that the 11th district went 57 percent for Obama. A wave election season, indeed, if Barletta can finally retire the 73 year-old congressman.
Lawrence Person lists the highlights of Kanjorski’s record:
Paul Kanjorski (PA 11) … Another Stupak bloc turncoat. Voted for TARP. Voted in favor of the Stimulus, but evidently decided oversight was so unimportant that he that he only attended three of the ten Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Board meetings. Has a reputation as a big spender: “Asking Paul Kanjorski to make sure our tax dollars are being spent wisely is like asking John Dillinger to keep an eye on the bank safe.” (IBID). Yesterday’s LinkSwarm mentioned how he earmarked $10 million for a business run by his own family. District went 54% for Gore, 53% for Kerry, and 57% for Obama. His opponent is Lou Barletta.