Pocono News Section

11th Congressional District Race Heating Up

11th Congressional District Race Heating Up - Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 6:25PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 @ 06:25pm EST
DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Months before election day, the race for the 11th Congressional District is already heating up.

Democratic candidate Corey O'Brien outlined the first phase of his "Plan for Progress" Thursday afternoon in Dunmore. He says, if elected, he will invest in Project Main Street.

O'Brien says he wants to bury power lines under sidewalks and install more energy efficient lighting.

He says his opponent, current Congressman Paul Kanjorski, is too focused on Wall Street bailouts.

"My campaign is gonna be funded primarily by Main Street, people who believe in our vision for the future. His campaign is funded by Wall Street, not because he's tough on Wall Street, but because he's a friend," O'Brien said.

At the same time O'Brien was unveiling his plan, Congressman Kanjorski was in Monroe County. He announced $700,000 in federal funding for Northampton Community College.

The money will be used to train new faculty, buy equipment and improve the school's security system.

Kanjorski said he hadn't heard of his opponents plan.

"I think there's plenty of time for political races and those opportunities will exist. Right now, I'm involved very much in a committment to education and economic development," Kanjorski said.

Kanjorski is a 13-term incumbent.