McCain arrives for W-B visit

WILKES-BARRE – Traffic patterns in the downtown will be slightly altered this morning due to the visit of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

Bridget Giunta, administrative coordinator for the city, said two intersections will be closed briefly in the morning and early afternoon: South Washington Street at Market, and South Franklin at Northampton.

McCain, an Arizona senator and the presumptive Republican nominee, will hold a town-hall meeting at 10 a.m. today at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Doors open at 8 a.m. The event is open to the public.

An invitation-only luncheon will be held at the Westmoreland Club, South Franklin Street, at 11:30 a.m.

Giunta said Wilkes-Barre Police Chief Gerry Dessoye met with Secret Service representatives on Monday to review McCain’s visit. She said police and fire personnel will be staged throughout the city and an ambulance and emergency management team will also be available.

Giunta said city business, such as scheduled garbage pickups and street cleaning, will continue as usual.

Mayor Tom Leighton said he intends to walk over to the Kirby Center to welcome Sen. McCain to the city.

Chris Hackett, Republican candidate for Congress in the 10th District, will be the master of ceremonies at the Kirby event. Hackett is running against freshman incumbent Democrat Chris Carney.

State Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, who had a cast placed on her broken foot Tuesday, will introduce McCain.

“I advise people to arrive early and stand in line,” Hackett said. The Kirby Center seats approximately 1,800.

“She really is thrilled to be doing this,” Grove said. “She told me she believes it’s a great way for him to become familiar with the area and its people.”

Hackett said McCain’s visit is a reflection of how important Northeast Pennsylvania is to his campaign and the election.

“This is a critical state for the November election,” Hackett said. “Pennsylvania is a key battleground state. I absolutely believe he can win the state. For him to win, this state is a high priority and I think his actions reflect that.”

Hackett said he supports McCain “100 percent” and thinks he will make a “terrific” president.

One Republican who will miss today’s event is Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who will be attending his own fundraiser in Berwick. Barletta is running for Congress in the 11th District.

“I have my own event that was previously scheduled and I will be there,” Barletta said.

Barletta, who is challenging 12-term Democratic incumbent Paul E. Kanjorski, has not endorsed McCain.

“I haven’t endorsed any presidential candidate,” Barletta said. “Sen. McCain and I differ on issues like Social Security and illegal immigration. I have my own campaign to run right now.”

“ … FOR HIM TO WIN, this state is a high priority and I think his actions reflect that.”

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GOP presidential hopeful set to appear at Kirby, Westmoreland Club.

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