News

September 10, 2008

Carney-Biden meeting held in Scranton

Military duty over, U.S. Rep. talks with Dems’ VP about economic/energy issues

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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U.S. Rep. Chris Carney returned from his mandatory active duty with the U.S. Navy Reserves just in time to meet with Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden at Scranton’s La Festa Italiana on Monday.

Carney campaign spokeswoman Rebecca Gale said Carney met with the Delaware senator briefly and said it was good to have Biden on his “home turf” – Northeastern Pennsylvania. Biden is Illinois Sen. Barack Obama’s running mate.

“We look forward to future conversations when he returns to the area,” Carney said in an e-mailed statement. “Sen Biden brings an enormous wealth of experience and insight to the office of the vice president. This is a man truly ready to assume the presidency if that were necessary.”

Gale said Biden and Carney spoke about the need to focus on creating jobs locally, the need for alternative energy solutions and continuing to fight for the middle class in Northeastern Pennsylvania and around the country.

While on active duty with the U.S. Navy Reserve, Carney continued his training as a Predator mission commander at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. He completed this phase of his training on Saturday, Gale said.

Carney, D-Dimock Township, the 10th District freshman incumbent, is seeking re-election. He is opposed by Republican Chris Hackett of Kingston Township.

Northeastern Pennsylvania has been getting a lot of attention from the presidential campaigns of Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain, as evidenced by recent appearances and television advertisements.

The Obama-Biden campaign is airing a new TV ad for Northeastern Pennsylvania featuring Scranton native Biden talking about his Pennsylvania upbringing. In the 30-second spot titled “Scranton,” Biden talks about growing up in Scranton and the lessons he learned in the Green Ridge neighborhood.

The Carney-Hackett race is being watched by national political observers, as is the 11th Congressional District race between 12-term Democrat incumbent Paul E. Kanjorski and Republican challenger Lou Barletta, mayor of Hazleton.

Carney accepted the endorsement of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association Tuesday in Carbondale.

Art Martynuska, president of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, said Carney “has stood on the frontline with firefighters and has given us steadfast support during his tenure in Congress.”

“This is why we proudly stand with Congressman Carney and support his bid for re-election,” Martynuska said.

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, can be reached at 829-7218.

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