(HAZLETON, FEBRUARY 7, 2008) – Before a room full of supporters, and flanked by his wife and children, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta announced today his campaign for Congress in Northeast Pennsylvania’s 11th District.

“The grassroots support for my campaign has been overwhelming. This is a campaign of the people, not politicians. This campaign is about the courage that is sorely lacking in our elected representatives,” Barletta said. WATCH LOU'S ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

Lou is joined on stage by his wife and four daughters during his annnouncement in Hazleton Thursday afternoon.

“We need a Congress with the guts and drive to take a stand against those who want to destroy our country and its small cities and towns. We need to have a Congress with the guts to call ‘illegal’ illegal when it comes to immigration.

“We need real leadership in Washington. Leaders with the courage to stand up and speak out, honestly and clearly – regardless of party affiliation – and tackle issues before they turn into major crises.

“Too often, special interests and big party donors set policies that go against the regular Joe. And too often our representatives in Washington have been too cowed, too lazy or simply not willing or able to stand up for the little guy.

“Those who know me, know that Washington had better get ready for a new breed of leader – one who isn’t afraid to speak their mind. I have a proven record of never backing down in defense of our freedom, security and well-being,” Barletta said.

Lou gets a kiss from his daughter, Grace.

Barletta became a national leader on the immigration issue when he enacted the toughest law in the country against illegal immigrants in his city. Speaking at rallies, sometimes wearing a bulletproof vest, Barletta never wavered or backed down. Now Hazleton is fighting a court battle.

Born and raised in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Lou Barletta learned the value of hard work at an early age. Lou worked side by side with his father Rocky, mother Angeline and his three brothers in the family businesses – A. Barletta and Sons Road Construction, and Barletta Heating Oil.

After graduating from Hazleton High School and attending Luzerne County Community and Bloomsburg State Colleges, Lou left school early to pursue a major-league baseball career, trying out with the Cincinnati Reds. He jokes that his inability to hit a curve ball led him back to Hazleton.

Once home, Lou married the former MaryGrace Malloy. The couple has four daughters: Kelly, 27; April 26; Lindsey, 23; and Grace, 21.

In 1984, Lou and MaryGrace founded Interstate Road Marking Corp., a pavement marking business. Starting with just small spray paint cans, they built IRM into the largest pavement marking contractor in Pennsylvania.