Posts for category ‘11th Congressional District’

For those concerned about Marcellus Shale drilling, which all of us should be given the methane welling up in the Susquehanna, the poisoned well-water of families in Susquehanna, and on and on, then Paul Kanjorski is the man to vote for.

The League of Conservation Voters gave Kanjorski a perfect score last year.  That means he voted for the environment 100% of the time.

If elected, Kanjorski would continue that trend and protect our region’s environment, something it sorely needs from elected officials.  It’s an easy choice for November, I’d say.

On a related note, Republican Lou Barletta has claimed that he isn’t responsible for his city’s unemployment.  Hmm…  So what exactly is he saying he’s done as Mayor of Hazleton?  Nothing?  This would be laughable if he weren’t running for a promotion.  He won’t be responsible for his votes in Congress, too, I guess.  The gas drillers who donate to him will be.

The Tiki Bar at the Waldorf is pretty popular for summer outings and yesterday was the setting for an absolutely jammed event for Paul Kanjorski.  I arrived on time (it started at 6) and noticed that there were a ton of union people there in visibly union attire.  Unions are always a good sign (the last vestige of a strong middle class, a class I happen to like and wish would grow).

Nobody was playing volleyball up there this time around, but a few were on horseshoes.  As usual, the view of the valley was impressive.  As was the food.  Mmm…  Penne a la vodka.

So, let’s do the run down:  I had a nice conversation with Mike Washo, who I’ve always worked for and feel is one of the most sincere and honest guys in politics.  Rumored County Controller candidate Gary DiBileo and actually County Controller Ken McDowell were making the rounds.  Also from the County, Treasurer Ed Karpovich.  I heard a Carbon County Commissioner announced, but didn’t get the name and realized I don’t know the names of any commissioners outside Lackawanna-Luzerne in NEPA.  Tim Lynady and Nathan Barrett were there representing Minooka.  Rosemary Boland of the Scranton Federation of Teachers and Lisa Barrett from PSEA (whom I came with) represented educators.  State Representatives Ken Smith and Kevin Murphy both came and stayed for a while.  Former County Democratic Chairman Jerry Notariani came out, as did Scranton School Director Tom Gilbride and Scranton City Councilman John Loscombe.  Loscombe’s attendance was mandatory, given the wave of anger directed at Team Evans over Pat Rogan’s support of Lou Barletta.  I also saw Scranton Times political guru Borys meandering about, but didn’t get a chance to introduce myself.

As per the usual, I’m sure I missed people.  There was no particularly crazy drama, minus one of Kanjo’s field organizers amusingly introduced himself to me three times, then apologized when I informed him of this, saying, “I just met 400 people, sorry.”  Thankfully my ego is solid enough that I didn’t feel too insignificant.  On that note, I do like Kanjo’s field team and know they are very capable.  I think Kanjo will have a better ground game than Barletta, which he absolutely needs if he’s going to win.

Kanjo’s speech, near the end of the night, was your typical Kanjo-fair – that is, he gets genuinely riled up.  He talked about constant Republican obstruction and opposition to everything – even the recent bill to help 9/11 first responders (Rep. Weiner famously and rightfully went insane over this on the House floor).  He talked about his record, bringing millions into the region during his time in Congress.  The place was so packed, though, it was too loud for me to catch it all.  I was happy watching the body language, like I said, riled up.  Every so often I heard a “Dammit!” and “Hell!” and “Dammit to Hell!” out of him.  I appreciate candor.

A lot of those in attendance were unfamiliar faces to me.  When you go to enough of these things, like I do, everybody starts to look the same, so I gauge success, often, based on unfamiliarity.  Between that and the numbers in attendance, I’d say Kanjo still has a lot of support.  Hopefully it’s enough to keep him in there.  As long as he keeps highlighting his record, and highlighting Lou’s, then he’s got a chance of overcoming this anti-incumbent climate.

We can file this one in the Irony Drawer.

Yesterday, I received a Lou Barletta press release dated August 31^st and boy, it’s full of some fun stuff!  Barletta, that’s Lou Barletta, Republican running against Paul Kanjorski.  Yup, Barletta criticized Kanjorski for the district’s unemployment.  While, of course, Kanjo has a part to play in the region’s unemployment, Barletta has ZERO business criticizing anybody over unemployment.  Hazleton is over 15%!  That’s the worst in the state!  And you know what, if you take Hazleton out of the equation, Lou Barletta’s Hazleton, then maybe NEPA wouldn’t have the worst unemployment.

I guess Kanjo’s team can reply, “Thanks for helping us clinch the title!”  Although maybe it’s not quite so exciting as that.  Kanjorksi has presided over 10% unemployment in a recession, Barletta 15%.  Who is better for jobs, again?

Statistics expose 26-year incumbent’s failed economic policies

August 31st

Hazleton, PA – The unemployment rate in Paul Kanjorski’s congressional district is now the highest in the entire state of Pennsylvania, continuing to show that the 26-year incumbent’s failed economic policies are destroying our regional economy and costing area residents thousands of jobs.

Kanjorski’s district has “significantly higher unemployment” than the state and the national average, according to the Scranton Times. In the same article, a professor of economics stated, “Being the worst in the state doesn’t speak well of our economy.” (8/31/10)

It also doesn’t speak well of Kanjorski’s economic policies.

The regional unemployment rate is now the highest in Pennsylvania at 10.4 percent – a number that has seen “a fairly steady ascent from 8.8 percent in July 2009,” according to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (8/31/10). That mirrors Kanjorski’s lock-step votes for the government takeover of health care and the destructive energy tax known as cap and trade.

“The official unemployment data provides irrefutable proof that Kanjorski’s actions have severely hurt our region. It’s no wonder he is afraid to meet the people of his district face-to-face at public town meetings. Kanjorski and Nancy Pelosi promised us that if they passed the $800 billion stimulus bill, unemployment wouldn’t go above 8 percent. Clearly, that was a lie, and both our unemployment rate and national debt continue to rise. Kanjorski’s reckless vote to take over our health care system directly cost the jobs of at least 100 Sallie Mae employees in Hanover Township. Many other Kanjorski votes – for cap and trade, to raise taxes and fees 150 times – have cost thousands of other jobs right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Shawn Kelly, spokesman for the campaign of Lou Barletta. “At the end of the day, Kanjorski only cares about one job – his.”

Today, Paul Kanjorski, in conjunction with Bob Casey, will announce federal funding for an innovation center in Wilkes-Barre.

Allow me to engage in some augury and channel for you the coming Barletta response.

Hazleton, Pa – Lou Barletta took time today to respond to Paul Kanjorski’s announcement of federal funding for an innovation center.  “Paul Kanjorski will stop at nothing to invest in this region,” Barletta said, disgusted.  “From State Department jobs, to wind farms, to hybrid manufacturers, this endless barrage of good news for the local economy proves that he is a liberal, Pelosi-loving Democrat and voters won’t have that.

“I am 100% against federal funding of anything.  Therefore, I am against innovation.  Innovation is stifling and time-consuming.  Instead, people need to be spending their time driving illegal brown people from our land, as St. Patrick did to the snakes in Ireland.  It’s the only way to end unemployment, which, even though Hazleton’s is nearly 16%, I promise I will lower.  It’s the Mexicans’ fault.  I swear,” Barletta said, pointing to a chart riddled with stick figures in sombreros.

“Voters in Northeastern Pennsylvania won’t be fooled by Kanjorski’s tireless fight for the region,” Barletta said.

Paul Kanjorski has released his first campaign commercial, hitting Lou Barletta for all the wonderful things Lou Barletta has done as Mayor, like, for example, ushering his city into an era of the highest unemployment in the state.  Go Lou!  Lou has had 10 years to fix his city and only served to dig it into a hole.  I guess digging us into a hole is all Republican electeds can do.  At least they have something for their resume.

As per the ad, add a few other items to the resume:

Barletta hiked Hazleton property taxes 70%.  Obviously, he’s a tax and spend Republican.

Barletta hiked income taxes 20%.  Again, tax and spend Republican.

So, elect Barletta, and see higher taxes and higher unemployment.  Usually, Democrats raise taxes and lower unemployment.  Most Republicans fight for lower taxes and higher unemployment.  Not Lou.  He’s the worst of both worlds.

Check it out for yourselves:

A release from Paul Kanjorski’s camp, blasting Barletta for very stupidly coming out against jobs.  The release has an amusing point, in the GOP’s quest to be the Party of “No” Barletta has even decided to extend that to jobs.  Enjoy!

Lou Barletta’s dangerous demagoguery

would cost Northeastern PA jobs

WILKES-BARRE, PA – Yesterday, within minutes of Congressman Paul Kanjorski’s announcement that Northeastern Pennsylvania was under consideration to be the home for the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC), Lou Barletta issued a press release vowing to fight against the Center, which would employ up to 1000 federal employees.

“I realize that Mayor Barletta is increasingly desperate to leave behind the mess he created in Hazleton and will do almost anything to win in his third race for Congress,” said Ed Mitchell, Kanjorski campaign spokesman.  “But even I never thought he would stoop so low as to oppose the creation of up to one thousand solid, good-paying jobs for Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Shame on Lou Barletta.

“Lou Barletta is always ‘Mr. No’ when it comes to any jobs or progress that Congressman Kanjorski proposes. He would fit right in with the ‘No’ mentality of Republicans in Congress.”

“In his hastily drafted, incendiary press release, Barletta recklessly attempts to inflame opposition by portraying the training center as a ‘military-style training camp’ and a ‘bomb range’ that would ‘put residents of this district in danger.’”

“The center is nothing close to that. No one will be in danger, or even inconvenienced,” said Mitchell.

“In fact, the training center would employ between 850 and 1000 permanent federal employees and would annually train 10,000 students who work for Diplomatic Security, the division of the State Department that is responsible for protecting the safety of Americans overseas at U.S. Embassies and other American installations.

“Aside from the jobs, there will be ancillary benefits like a boost to our hotel and restaurant businesses.

“Apparently there is no limit to how low Lou Barletta will go with his dangerous demagoguery.  He is even willing to oppose the American heroes who risk their lives to protect American personnel and facilities overseas.

“Perhaps most disturbing is the speed with which he attacked this project; he clearly thought he could score quick political points against the Congressman without taking the time to learn anything about this project,” said Mitchell.  “Lou Barletta is not on our side.  He’s always for the status quo. No wonder Hazleton has the highest unemployment rate in the state.”

Believe it or not, Lou Barletta actually issued a press release in which he announced his opposition to job creation in his district.  This is not satire (unlike my Marino piece, mwahaha).

Yes, it’s out there.  The Republican plan for the middle class has always been to disenfranchise us to the betterment of the rich.  Just look at the death of upward mobility and the concentration of wealth into the hands of the wealthy.  Well, Barletta is getting bold, blatantly letting us know that he wants us to be poor and unemployed.

I urge you to read these excerpts from Barletta’s release, and then the follow-up afterwards.

“In an election year, we expect Paul Kanjorski to come up with some wild ideas in his quest to retain power, but this one is hard to believe. Kanjorski is clearly out of touch if he believes the residents of Conyngham Township – and the miles around the site that will bear the brunt of repeated bomb blasts – would be in favor of this project. For Kanjorski to take a dangerous project that the people of Maryland rejected and now try to pass it on to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania shows how desperate he is,” said Shawn Kelly, spokesman for Lou Barletta, Hazleton mayor and candidate for Congress.

Lou Barletta said, “I will never put residents of this district in danger by supporting a project like this. What guarantees are we going to have that children will not sneak onto this bomb range? What will this project do to home values? What businesses are going to move into a town that’s rocked by 500 explosions a year? Mr. Kanjorski’s project will completely destroy the area around it, and I’m going to fight it.

“We need good jobs and real answers to our problems, not more of Kanjorski’s fantasy projects – least of all ones that will turn our communities into bomb ranges. I believe Northeastern Pennsylvania needs jobs, but not at any cost – and certainly not in exchange for 500 bomb blasts a year.”

Okay.  So there you have it.

Now, many have focused, and rightly so, on the word “potential” in Kanjorski’s release.  Why announce “potential” jobs?  They may never come!

Right.  But Paul Kanjorski is in the fight of his life.  If this doesn’t happen, then he will be absolutely hammered into oblivion in November.  I’m guessing that he did the political calculus and the chances for this project to come to fruition are relatively high.  In fact, immediately following Kanjorski’s announcement, I got this document from his office, which gives a boatload of details about the project.

Barletta’s criticism, that this is going to be a military camp with bombs going off left and right, doesn’t make much sense.  The State Department isn’t a military institution, last I checked.  And Hillary Clinton, whom Kanjorski supported bigtime in the 2008 primary, is in charge of the State Department.  I think that only bodes well for the project happening.

The issue here is pretty clear: Kanjorski is working to create jobs and Barletta doesn’t like it.  Why not?  Well, every time the jobs issue comes up, voters have to be reminded that Lou Barletta has run Hazleton into the ground.  Hazleton has the highest unemployment rate IN THE STATE.  That’s right, in a state with thousands of towns, he somehow is on top.  You have to be pretty incompetent to pull that off.

Dramatic title, yes, but deserved.  Paul Kanjorski has been the herald of good, possibly great news left and right.

Last week, we learned from him that a hybrid car manufacturer is looking at putting its headquarters in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

That’s 1,000 to 4,000 jobs.

Today, he is set to announce a project that will create 1,000 jobs.  Tune into your local news sources at 1 PM (if they report it around then, who knows).  I’ll try to put it up as soon as I learn.

So, Paul Kanjorski heralds epic job creation.  Lou Barletta heralds the highest unemployment rate in the state.  The choice is clear.

And, in an enjoyable slap in the face to “Boohoo” Lou Barletta, who needs a few, but would probably weep uncontrollably if he got them, Paul Kanjorski will be opening his Hazleton office later today with much fanfare.

One of the reasons I started this blog way back in the early days of October of 2009 was to publicly voice complaints I had about the state of government, politics, and society.  My purposes have obviously evolved and while I do spend a lot of time commenting on the goings on of the world around me, I am interested in being constructive.

As such, my criticism of Lou Barletta yesterday, that hiding from one’s potential constituents and definite critics is not wise for a politician, has produced fruit!  On a whim, I checked “Boohoo” Lou’s Twitter and, lo and behold, I could follow it!

See, speaking does sometimes result in being heard.  This should be a lesson that complaining about politicians is a good thing.

Although… I still didn’t get a response from his press person on whether or not “Boohoo” Lou would repeal the Freedom of Religion clause for Muslims.

Since, on this auspicious day, Lou Barletta as allowed me to follow him on Twitter (his press person still hasn’t responded to me, though), I thought it appropriate to give him a greater forum for the numerous policy issues where we disagree.

Here is the full text of his anti-Freedom of Religion press release, along with my commentary:

“I strongly disagree with President Obama’s remarks about the construction of a mosque a few blocks away from Ground Zero. The area around the site of the former World Trade Center is hallowed ground, and we need to treat it as such. Ground Zero should forever stand as a perpetual reminder of that dark day in American history, and President Obama must recognize the strong feelings that many of us have about Sept. 11, 2001. The president must honor the wishes of the families of the victims, who have overwhelmingly opposed the construction of this mosque.

There are victims of families who aren’t opposed to this.  Regardless, the Constitution shouldn’t be suspended because people are upset.  That’s the beauty of the document.  It’s the law of the land no matter what.

Most American Muslims are peaceful people, but Islam’s most radical followers have a long history of placing mosques at the sites of their greatest victories. They did so in Israel, where they built the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and in Spain, where they built the Great Mosque of Cordoba. To place a mosque this close to Ground Zero seems to follow that disturbing logic. There are plenty of other appropriate sites for this mosque across the island of Manhattan. The selection of this site – just two blocks from Ground Zero – is incredibly insensitive, almost to the point of provocation.

“Provocation” is a strong word.  What exactly is being provoked?  How do you plan to retaliate to this provocation, Mr. Barletta?  Beyond that, Christians routinely did the same exact thing… particularly during the Crusaders.  As Gort points out, Constantine did it, much to the chagrin of Bacchus-worshipping Greeks (I’m hilarious).  About how many blocks would be appropriate?  Three?  Five?  Two is just too close?

President Obama needs to strongly withdraw his support for its construction. If nothing else, common sense would dictate that we should not allow this. I hope that the backers of this mosque recognize the uproar and withdraw their plans. If they do not, I hope that New York City officials reverse course and halt this project.”

“If nothing else” is a funny phrase.  The Constitution is nothing else, Lou?

This man has no business being a Congressman.  For him, the Constitution is a matter of convenience to be thrown aside when fear and hate can be exploited.  Given that “Boohoo” Lou is running to represent NEPA, I have no idea why his opinion on the Mosque Islamic Community Center at near Ground Zero even is relevant.  He just wants to exploit an issue.  Good for you, Lou, you did it at the expense of the little integrity you had left after your anti-brown people crusade.

In a rather hilarious development, Lou Barletta, whom I criticize often for his ridiculous ideas, anti-Constitutional feelings, racism against all things brown, and disastrous tenure as Hazleton Mayor has Blocked me on Twitter!

This is amusing, because I can still see what he says.

Boohoo, Lou.  Boohoo.  In fact, “Boohoo” Lou has a good ring to it.  I think I’ll keep using it.

Rather than running from critics and hiding from them in vain, Mr. Barletta, you should engage them and try to quash notions that they may have which you feel are unfair.

Dislike my criticism of your anti-Freedom of Religion stance?  Engage me.  Don’t hide.

Dislike my criticism of Hazleton’s unemployment rate under your governance, the highest in the state?  Engage me.  Don’t hide.

Dislike any criticism?  Unless you have something to hide, you should confront it.  Instead, you reveal cowardice.  You’re running to represent ME in addition to everybody in the 11th Congressional District.  Will you hide from everybody who sees the world differently from you?

Lou Barletta has come out against the Mosque at Ground Zero, which is neither a Mosque nor at Ground Zero.  One would think, after fighting vehemently to be known as a racist crusading against the Great Brown Horde, he might try to be a little more sensitive and less bigoted.  Not so!  Barletta said, “I strongly disagree with President Obama’s remarks about the construction of a mosque a few blocks away from Ground Zero.”

That means he strongly disagrees with the Constitution.  Awesome.

The Constitution establishes freedom of religion.  I may not agree with tenets of most, if not all religions, but they have a right to exist.  People have a right to worship.  Nobody complained about the Pentagon Mosque.  Muslims in the World Trade Center were murdered when the terrorists flew planes into the building.  America went, supposedly, to liberate Iraqis.  Guess what, we lost thousands of our young men and women in a war to liberate Muslims from an oppressor.

Let us not forget the principles that this country was founded upon.

In Paul Kanjorski’s response to PaternoGate (Barletta criticized him for not loving PSU football enough, I guess), he gives a nice shout out to fellow West Sider, Matt McGloin, who plays for Penn State.

From Kanjorski:  “Joe Paterno is a hero of Pennsylvania. His dedicated work and leadership both on and off the football field is of great service to both Penn State and the Commonwealth. In addition to his many feats on the field, he has encouraged one of the highest graduation rates among college football players showing his dedication to both academics and football. He also creates an atmosphere that fosters emerging talent, as can be seen with Matt McGloin, a West Scranton graduate and former walk-on, who may become the team’s starting quarterback. Joe Paterno has fostered great pride in Penn State from all Pennsylvanians. At this time, Congress should focus its efforts on creating jobs in our communities and reviving the economy, rather than politicizing football. This is where my focus has been and where it will continue to be.”

Now, I’m not sure how Joe Paterno even matters in this race.  What does football have to do with politics?  I know in Luzerne County, they vote in football players, so maybe that has something to do with it, but given Skrepenack’s conviction, maybe they learned.  Barletta obviously feels otherwise.  A bold gamble!

Lou Barletta’s campaign must be reaching the desperate stage, just as Tom Marino’s in the 10th did.  In Barletta’s case, he is criticizing Kanjorski over not signing some letter in honor of Joe Paterno.

Here is a quote from the release: “By failing to sign this letter, Kanjorski shows once again how out of touch he is.”

That’s all you got, Mr. Barletta?  I mean, Kanjorski points out that Hazleton has the highest unemployment on the state and you point out how he didn’t sign a letter for a football coach.

I can’t wait to see the next headline:  Kanjorski Refuses to Name New Cat ‘Mittens’, Barletta Outraged

Paul Kanjorski has had a busy day in terms of press releases.  I will publish anything I find relevant when it comes to press releases, so today is a pretty relevant day, it seems (I get a lot more releases than I put up).

Kanjorski scored some points with me by directly confronting a company about outsourcing.  It’s a shame that any company puts profits before people, but such is the nature of capitalism.  At least we can complain about it.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) released the following statement after meeting with Christine Marcks, President of Prudential Retirement division, about the recent layoffs at Prudential’s office in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“This afternoon, I had an open and frank discussion with one of the top executives from Prudential who is responsible for the decision to lay off employees at its Montage Mountain facility,” said Congressman Kanjorski.  “Though Prudential and many other companies face business pressures during these difficult economic times, it is incredibly disappointing that Prudential would choose to not only reduce its workforce, but also outsource those jobs to foreign workers.  Not only does this put American workers out of jobs, but it also negatively impacts our economy.  Prudential assured me that they are continuing to explore alternative methods to reach their financial goals, and I will continue to monitor their actions.  This conversation is not finished.”

“We must incentivize American companies to keep jobs here and hire American workers, and I will continue to work to create new policies to help maximize American employment at companies like Prudential,” added Congressman Kanjorski.  “Ms. Marcks stated that Prudential is fully committed to keeping this facility in Northeastern Pennsylvania and that there are currently 29 open positions at that facility in different divisions.  She added that any employees affected by the recent layoffs are encouraged to apply for these jobs.”

Congressman Kanjorski concluded, “I am deeply frustrated by Prudential’s decision to reduce its workforce in the area.  While the company claims that it is impacted by the difficult economy, so too are the people and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Prudential’s actions are certainly not unnoticed.  I will continue to closely examine alternatives for these employees and to Prudential’s actions. Since I began my service in Congress, I have worked first and foremost to create jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I will continue to do everything that I can to help keep jobs in our communities.”

Congressman Kanjorski was heavily involved in the recently passed and signed Wall Street reform bill.  Because of this, he had the opportunity to be with the President at the signing.

Lou Barletta, straight off of a fundraiser with 9/11 Rudy 9/11 Guiliani 9/11 which did not include cross-dressing (this time, anyway), sent Gort his position on Marcellus Shale.

Barletta doesn’t say anything about the threat, and doesn’t even use the word “environment” in a piece about the environment.  That had to have been a conscious choice.  For Barletta, the environment isn’t an issue.

Instead, this caught my eye: Our region and our nation have been blessed with an abundance of natural resources. We should not turn our back on these blessings. We need to harness these gifts while continuing to be stewards of our land.

Barletta’s point, and his obvious position, is that we need to exploit our land.  I like how he uses religious terminology (twice, we get that this is a “blessing”) because I guess gas extraction is a moral crusade.

Yet another reason not to vote Barletta.  Keep ‘em coming Lou!

Lou Barletta outraised Paul Kanjorski this time around.  Barletta pulled $212,000 and Kanjo pulled $175,000.  Despite this, Kanjo has an epic advantage in terms of cash-on-hand, over $1,000,000 compared to Barletta’s quarter million.

Barletta released a poll saying he was up 19 points over his opponent, but since none of the details of the poll or its cross-tabs or any of that were released, the poll may as well not exist as its veracity can’t be verified.  It was an internal poll commissioned by Barletta anyway.  My point is that this lead can easily evaporate as soon as Kanjo starts spending money.  A few ads pointing out that Barletta led his city to the highest unemployment rate in the state, over 15%, and another ad pointing out Kanjo’s role in Wall Street Reform, particularly the “Too Big To Fail” amendment, and, well, a phony 19 point lead might turn into a real deficit.

Paul Kanjorski played an integral role in the just-passed Wall Street Reform Bill and deserves credit.  Here’s a press release from his office:

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, applauded the Senate’s passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.  Chairman Kanjorski participated as one of the few negotiators to resolve the differences between the original House and Senate versions of this legislation.  The Senate approved the final agreement on this historic bill by a vote of 60-39, clearing the bill for the President’s signature.

“Today, I am very pleased that the Senate followed the House in voting in favor of passing and implementing the most sweeping financial regulatory reforms since the Great Depression,” said Chairman Kanjorski.  “This is an enormous achievement for the American people.  I, and many other Members of Congress, have been working on this legislation for over two years now.  Now is the time for action to rein in Wall Street.  This bill ensures that American families and small businesses will be better protected in the future from the wizards of Wall Street, and it takes strong steps to protect our economy from Wall Street’s casino culture.”

Chairman Kanjorski added, “The Kanjorski amendment, which aims to end the era of ‘too big to fail’ and prevent future bailouts, is one of the strongest provisions to hold Wall Street back from harming our economy in the future.  MIT Economics Professor Simon Johnson has called the Kanjorski amendment a powerful tool for reining in Wall Street.  Many Wall Street lobbyists have also viewed the Kanjorski amendment as one of the biggest threats to their profitability. We fought back and won.  By passing the Kanjorski amendment, Congress has sided with the American people, not Wall Street’s titans.  We will no longer allow financial firms to become so big, interconnected, concentrated, or risky that their failure could threaten the stability of the American economy or rock the credit of small businesses and Americans’ retirement nest eggs.”

“During the past two years, too many Americans have faced serious financial problems as a result of the economic crisis,” concluded Chairman Kanjorski.  “In sum, this bill contains sweeping authority to help avoid future taxpayer-funded bailouts, prevent financial companies from threatening the stability of our economy, and protect the American public from once again experiencing such tremendous financial turmoil.  I am therefore heartened that the Senate followed the House in passing this thoughtful, transparent, comprehensive, and sweeping financial reform package.  We will all be better off because of this legislation.  I look forward to watching the President sign it into law.”

Click here to view an op-ed published yesterday by Simon Johnson, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management and former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund.  The op-ed explains how the Kanjorski amendment relates to anti-trust laws where the power of firms can be constrained.

Click here to view an article from the New York Times which states that former Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr., believes that the creation of the systemic risk council is “perhaps the most important aspect of the bill and crucial to preventing the next crisis.”  The article explains that the council has “the power to shut firms down or change practices that might put the system at risk,” referring to the Kanjorski amendment.

In addition to shepherding the Kanjorski “too big to fail” amendment through the legislative process, Chairman Kanjorski played a pivotal role in drafting many of the bill’s reforms, including provisions to better protect investors and enhance the powers of securities regulators, register and regulate hedge fund managers, reform the operations and regulation of credit rating agencies, create a Federal office focused on insurance matters, improve mortgage servicing and appraisal rules, and create a national program based on Pennsylvania’s successful experiences in providing bridge loans to help temporarily unemployed workers keep their homes.

So, the Tarrance Group, a polling firm, hired by Lou Barletta came out with a big surprise, they said the person who paid them to put out a poll has favorable results for their employer.  The numbers, though, are disturbing.  Barletta supposedly has a 19-point advantage over Kanjorski, 56-37.  This is abysmal.

I don’t want to be represented by Barletta.  I just don’t.

Lou Barletta is hitting the airwaves with his first campaign commercial.  It highlights all of his accomplishments as Mayor!

He also touts his support of anti-immigration policy.  That may play well in this area, given a new poll saying NEPA supports Arizona’s law overwhelmingly.  The sad thing is that the Constitution explicitly states that the authority to deal with immigration issues is the Federal government’s alone, which means the Arizona law and those who support it are blatantly ignoring the Constitution.

Regardless, the ad is totally ironic, of course, given that Hazleton has the highest rate of unemployment in the state.  Go Lou!  Five percentage points higher than the state average!  That’s an accomplishment to be proud of!

Vote Lou, the guy who ushered his city into a period of economic decline that far exceeds the rest of the country!

Kanjorski, I’m sure, will point this out over and over.  Given his getting in front of the Prudential lay off issue, going so far as to meet with Prudential officials, Kanjo will come off as a job-creator.  There’s no way Barletta can make any kind of argument that he’ll create jobs.

With the economic climate the way it is, Kanjorski stands to benefit from a contrast between him and his opponent.