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Marino launches bid to take on Carney

Former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino formally announced his candidacy Congress in the 10th District Wednesday, providing what Republicans hope will be a top-tier challenge to sophomore Democrat Chris Carney.

Marino, one of three former federal prosecutors looking to capture House seats held by Democrats, declared his candidacy at events throughout the northeastern Pennsylvania district, including visits to Williamsport, South Abington Township and Hawley. That followed a radio announcement the day before. In between stops, he struck a populist, anti-Washington tone indicative of the political atmosphere that is increasingly spurring GOP candidates into congressional races, decrying the growing federal budget deficit.

“I’m voting against Washington … to bring spending under control and lower taxes,” Marino told pa2010.com in a phone interview.

As a moderate “Blue Dog” Democrat, Carney became the first member of his party to represent the 10th District in nearly half-a-century when he was elected in 2006. But despite the image he has crafted as a centrist, Marino, who resigned as U.S. Attorney in 2007, criticized Carney for “voting with [Nacny] Pelosi 90 percent of the time. I don’t call that moderate.”

And he made clear that he would challenge Carney on his vote in favor of health care reform legislation, calling it an over-extension of the federal government.

Marino is starting relatively late, less than four months before primary day. But with the GOP establishment expected to be largely behind him, he should be able to raise money quickly. He faces a primary against Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk. Luzerne County chiropractor David Madeira is expected to enter the race this week.

January 27, 2010 at 10:26 pm

--Donald Hoegg

Tags: Chris Carney, Malcolm Derk, PA-10, Tom Marino

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