Kanjorski, Carney lead in campaign cash race

BILL O’BOYLE and ANDREW M. SEDER , boboyle@timesleader.com

U.S. Rep. ’s re-election campaign has surpassed the $2 million mark, according to the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Kanjorski, the 12-term incumbent Democrat in the 11th Congressional District, added nearly $500,000 to his campaign war chest in the last three months, bringing his total to more than $2.1 million.

His opponent, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, has just over $500,000 in his treasury.

The Democratic incumbent Chris Carney also leads in the 10th Congressional District race.

Carney, D-Dimock Township, reported $353,933 in contributions for the quarter, bringing his total to $1,150,000.

His Republican challenger, Chris Hackett of Kingston Township, reported $617,700 for the quarter but that includes a $250,000 personal loan Hackett made to his campaign during his primary election campaign against Dan Meuser. Minus the personal loan, Hackett raised $367,700.

Kanjorski reported $488,088 raised in the quarter, while Barletta reported more than $300,000.

Barletta announced his second-quarter report will show he has raised more than $515,000 since he launched his campaign on Feb. 7. Barletta said his campaign staff had not yet filed the latest FEC report, but would before Tuesday’s deadline.

“We’re letting the numbers speak for themselves,” said Ed Mitchell, Kanjorski campaign spokesman. “The amount of money one raises is indicative of the support level they have. After you get by all Barletta’s pathetic spin to put a good face on his poor level of support, it’s obvious people are rallying to keep Kanjorski in Congress.”

Barletta said he believes it’s important where the campaign donations are coming from.

“Mr. Kanjorski’s support is indicative of the kind of congressman he’s been,” Barletta said. “I’d rather get money from the people, not from powerful Washington lobbyists and big corporations.”

The financial reports incorporated April, May and June. Hackett was locked in a tight primary battle for most of April while Carney ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Carney reported cash on hand totaling $1.15 million. Hackett reported considerably less, with $267,000. Carney’s last FEC report, showing contributions from Jan. 1 to April 2, listed $1.28 million raised in that period and cash on hand totaling $966,459.

Hackett’s filing for the first quarter showed $175,804 cash on hand and contributions of $558,918.

“We’re right where we want to be. Between Republicans for Carney and another strong fundraising quarter, we’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the strong support we are receiving. We’re very excited about the direction our campaign is heading,” said Rebecca Gale, Carney’s campaign spokeswoman.

Mark Harris, Hackett’s campaign manager, noted the slight advantage his candidate had for the quarter in raising money.

“We’re happy with the quarter. We out-raised the incumbent, and anytime that happens things are going well. We’re confident that come November we’ll have the resources we need to win,” said Harris.