Carney a target for GOP

Greg Blair, of the National Republican Congressional Committee, confirmed that the panel has met with former U.S. Attorney Thomas Marino (OF WHERE), and has held phone conversations with Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk, 31, of Freeburg, and Luzerne County entrepreneur David Madeira, 42, of Lehman Township.

The race in the 10th Congressional District does not appear to be a unique situation in Pennsylvania, according to an article published Tuesday by CQ Politics.

In the last few months of 2009, Republicans could point to strong recruits in only the 7th and 11th Congressional Districts in Pennsylvania. But within the next few weeks, Republicans could have strong candidates in six Democratic-held seats, including Carney’s.

Blair said the recent rush of candidates in the 10th District is a judgment (indictment) on the performance of Carney, now in his second two-year term.

“As these races develop and candidates get involved, Chris Carney is going to be a top target for Republicans in 2010,” Blair said. “Carney has checked nearly every box that (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi has asked him to. He’s voted for the stimulus. He voted for a bloated budget, for health care and he’s been a loyal alley to Democratic leadership that is more focused on a partisan agenda than creating jobs.”

Shripal Shah, northeast regional press secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, called Blair’s comments “tired rhetoric” from the National Republican Congressional Committee.

“It doesn’t change the fact that Congressman Carney has been an independent voice for his district throughout his tenure in Congress,” Shah said. “The (National Republican Congressional Committee) is simply delusional if they think they’re going to be successful here in November.”

A Carney spokesman said the incumbent has shown more bipartisanship than other leading Democrats.

“It’s that independence and display of bipartisanship that only two weeks ago led national Republicans to approach the congressman about switching parties,” spokesman Josh Drobnyk said.

Derk said he’s spoken to Marino and Madeira and all have pledged to run a “clean race.” He also referenced The Washington Post’s congressional voting database, which has Carney siding with the Democratic Party 90.8 percent of the time as evidence the congressman is not the Blue Dog Democrat he would have voters believe.

“I think the voters will clearly see Chris Carney’s liberal voting record,” Derk said.

Blair attributes the competitive climate in Pennsylvania to several factors.

“I think it’s a combination of rising unemployment, wasteful government spending and a Democratic agenda in Washington that puts partisanship before creating jobs,” Blair said.

According to the latest unemployment figures from the state Department of Labor, unemployment fell in 0.5 and 0.2 percent in Northumberland and Union counties, respectively, between October and November, from 10.6 to 10. 1 percent in Northumberland County and from 9.3 to 9.1 percent in Union County.

Snyder County saw the biggest drop in unemployment, dropping from 10.8 percent in October to 8.9 percent in November.

Montour County’s rate remained the same at 6.5 percent.

Statewide unemployment stood at 8.5 percent in November, below the latest U.S. rate of 10 percent.

“Before the stimulus package was approved, Democrats were saying unemployment wouldn’t climb over 8 percent,” Derk said. “It reached a 25-year high and I would argue that the stimulus hasn’t worked and was not worth the vast amount of debt they’re placing on generations to come.”

Carney, Blair said, faces an uphill battle for re-election.

“We’re very confident that a Republican will emerge in this race that will send Chris Carney packing on Election Day,” he said.

Carney is ready for the fight, Drobnyk said.

“Congressman Carney’s voting record is more independent than those of nine in 10 Democrats,” Drobnyk said. “His top priority is fighting for the interests of the 10th District and he is grateful for the support he receives from Democrats, Republicans and independents alike.”

n An article from CQ Politics contributed to this report.
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