From the email inbox...

January 25, 2010: O’Brien Campaign Gains Momentum in PA-11Lackawanna County

Commissioner Corey O’Brien raised over $200,000 in 2009 for his race to win the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District. According to his most recent FEC report, O’Brien raised $206,150 in 2009 and ended the year with $109,456 cash on hand.

“Corey is one of the most well-funded primary challengers in the country,” said Ken Christensen, O’Brien’s Washington, D.C.-based fundraising consultant. “These fundraising numbers demonstrate just how hard Corey is working to replace old-style politics with new style leadership in PA-11."

O’Brien is well ahead of the pace set by past congressional challengers in the region. In his first congressional race, Congressman Chris Carney had only raised $65,876 by Dec. 31st. Lou Barletta, who narrowly lost to Paul Kanjorski in 2008, had not raised any money by the end of 2007 and did not announce his campaign until February 2008.

O’Brien has relied heavily on individual “Main Street” donors and received contributions from over 350 individuals. These numbers stand in sharp contrast to Kanjorski, who has relied on special interest PACs for 68% of his contributions this election cycle.

“Fundraising reports say a lot about who is supporting a candidate," said O'Brien. "I am proud to have the support of over 350 individuals from right here on Main Street. Unfortunately, my opponent continues to fund his campaign with special interest money from his friends on Wall Street. Nobody believes that he can regulate Wall Street when he has taken more money from the finance and credit industries than any other Democrat in the House.”

Many Democrats have criticized the Supreme Court’s recent Citizens United decision, which will allow corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections. While this decision is a windfall for corporate-backed politicians like Kanjorski, O’Brien has vowed to continue to raise the funds necessary to win the race and return this district to the people.

Justin F. Carroll
Campaign Manager
Corey O'Brien for Congress
(570) 343-1111

Sounds as if Uncle Paulie Kanjo is gonna have a fight on his hands. Uncle Paul, better not count on riding Obama's coattails this time around.

Luzerne County GOP news...

There is a limited number of tickets available for the annual Lincoln Day Dinner.
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP via e-mail or by phone 570-208-4671 as soon as possible.

You MUST specify your entrée choice at the time you make your reservation.

LINCOLN DAY DINNER
Friday, Feb. 5, 2010
Ramada Hotel, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre
*
Keynote Speaker: Gov. Tom Ridge
Special Honoree: Patrick J. Solano
*
Dinner 6 p.m.
Tickets:$50 each
Entrée Choices: Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, Sauteed Chicken Francaise or Grilled Filet of Salmon
Fresh Fruit Cup, Garden Salad, Stuffed Baked Potato, Vegetable, Dessert, Rolls & Butter, Coffee, Hot & Iced Tea, Soda
(Please specify entrée choice when making your reservation)
Tables of 10 may be purchased for $500 with the table host receiving a complimentary ticket to a special reception with Gov. Ridge

Club GOP Reception, 5-6 p.m.
FREE to all Club GOP members
(with purchase of a dinner ticket)
Meet & Greet with Gov. Tom Ridge. Complimentary beer, soda and wine
Not a member? Call 208-4671 to join

Call 208-4671 or e-mail lcgop@luzernegop.org for more information or for details on purchasing an ad in the commemorative program booklet.

Could you picture me, moi, hanging out with Tom Ridge?

MC: Dude, what's up?

Ridge: Excuse me?