8th Congressional District race already heating up

WILKES-BARRE — The gauntlet has dropped in the 8th Congressional District race.

On Friday, Republican challenger Jim Bognet issued a news release that charged incumbent Democrat Matt Cartwright favors defunding police departments — even specifically saying it applied to the Wilkes-Barre City department.

“Matt Cartwright showed his true liberal colors,” the Bognet release stated. “When asked if ‘we should quit wasting money’ on Wilkes-Barre police and ‘move that money around’ to causes, Cartwright answered unequivocally ‘absolutely yes.’”

Cartwright for Congress Communications Director Matt Slavoski responded.

“This is a lie spun by a Washington Republican dark money group,” Slavoski said. “The Congressman made clear during the discussion that he does not support defunding the police.”

Slavoski went on to quote Cartwright: “There have been voices calling for defunding and disbanding police forces; I personally do not agree with that.’”

Slavoski said Cartwright supports sensible police reforms and investments in education, training and other community services.

Bognet for Congress released the following comment in response to Cartwright.

“Matt Cartwright’s proposal to defund law enforcement is a radical and dangerous idea, and shows once again that he would rather cater to the latest leftist fad than represent the interests of Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Bognet for Congress spokesman Charles Russel.

Slavoski said that in the video clip Bognet links to in his press release, the words “defund” or “Wilkes-Barre” don’t come up at all.

One thing is for sure, the race in the 8th Congressional District promises to be a battle through November.