Campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Committee (FEC) Thursday showed that Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta raised more money in the second quarter and on the July report than 26-year incumbent Paul Kanjorski, his opponent.

The same reports showed Kanjorski’s campaign was only able to get 17 donations (totaling $5,300) from people who live in the 11th Congressional District.

Lou Barletta was the only challenger in Pennsylvania to out-raise an incumbent in the second quarter and on the July report. (http://www.politicspa.com/politicspa-second-quarter-fundraising-cheat-sheet/13324/)

On Thursday, Kanjorski spokesman Ed Mitchell claimed that Mayor Barletta’s fundraising trailed his 2008 effort, saying Mayor Barletta “raised less this year to date than in 2008.” Apparently, Mitchell was confused – Lou Barletta’s fundraising has exceeded where he was at this point in 2008.

On the other hand, Kanjorski’s campaign coffers fall far short of his 2008 numbers: Kanjorski’s current cash on hand figure trails his 2008 cash on hand total by more than $1 million. At this point in 2008, Kanjorski had $2.17 million on hand; his latest report shows just over $1 million. (Source: FEC July Quarterly reports)

 
2nd Qtr Fundraising (April, May and June)
Lou Barletta: $236,000
Paul Kanjorski: $220,000

July FEC Report (May and June)
Lou Barletta: $211,000
Paul Kanjorski: $175,000

Shawn Kelly, spokesman for Mayor Barletta’s campaign, said, “Paul Kanjorski still holds a cash-on-hand advantage, but is not even close to what we faced in 2008. Lou outraised Kanjorski last quarter, and we expect that to continue the rest of the way. Our latest poll shows that Mayor Barletta is in a strong position, and we have started our paid advertising campaign. When you combine all of this with our tremendous candidate and his immense popularity, we are ready for the General Election and we look forward to the campaign ahead.”

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