Lou Barletta’s momentum is increasing

HAZLETON – With six days to go, the congressional campaign of Lou Barletta is gaining momentum.

Here are the facts:

This morning, The Hill, a respected Washington, D.C., publication, released a poll that shows Lou leading 26-year incumbent Congressman Paul Kanjorski, 48-43. (http://thehill.com/house-polls/thehill-poll-week-4/125983-district-by-district-pennsylvania)

“The results are consistent with earlier polls that showed Mr. Barletta ahead. … Every independent and partisan poll released publicly since the summer has shown Mr. Barletta leading, though his margin was much larger in some earlier Republican polls.” – Scranton Times-Tribune, 10/27/10

This poll tracks with every other public poll listed in this race, including a Franklin & Marshall College Poll that showed Lou with a 7-point lead. Respected pollster G. Terry Madonna labeled Kanjorski one of Pennsylvania’s “most imperiled incumbents.”
Every major political handicapper lists Lou’s race as a toss-up or in Lou’s favor.

o Real Clear Politics: Leans GOPo The New York Times Five Thirty Eight Blog (Nate Silver): Leaning Republicano Rothenberg Political Report: Lean Republicano Cook Political Report: Toss Up

o Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball: Leans Republican

PoliticsPA, an independent political tracker, ranks Kanjorski as the second-most endangered incumbent in Pennsylvania.

“With less than a week until Election Day, the momentum is clearly on the side of Lou Barletta. The polls are in our favor. Political handicappers sense that momentum is on Lou’s side. Lou is encouraged by the momentum, and he’s going to continue to work hard right up to the moment polls close next Tuesday,” said Shawn Kelly, spokesman for Lou Barletta’s campaign.