The LuLac Edition #1348, Oct. 26th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: CLINTON IN NANTICOKE. (PHOTO SCRANTON TIMES).

CLINTON JETS IN

Former President Bill Clinton, the quintessential political animal of our time used his demonstrative skills today to bolster the candidacy of Congressman Paul Kanjorski.
Clinton arriving characteristically late wowed the crowd at Nanticoke High School. He gave an economics primer on why his economy was better when he left the White House in 2000 and how his party and President only got 20 months to clean up an 8 year mess.
The former President also joked that Kanjorski was one of a handful of Congressmen on speed dial at the White House saying, “give him what he wants because he’ll be like a dog with a bone not taking no for an answer. " Here's how WNEP TV reported the visit:
Creating jobs is one of the big issues on the campaign trail.With election day one week away, both parties are trying hard to gain voter support.That is why former President Bill Clinton is making a stop in our area Tuesday evening.President Clinton came to Nanticoke to rally for Democratic Congressman Paul Kanjorski who is seeking re-election.The doors to the event opened about 4 p.m. Tuesday and many said they couldn't wait to see the former president."You know, meet a historical and political figure. I mean, Mr. Clinton, this is like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I live a few blocks away. I couldn't pass it up," said Kristen Skipkoski of Nanticoke."To come to Nanticoke, his hometown, I think this is the first political rally I've had here!" Shortly after taking over the podium here at Greater Nanticoke Area High School, former president Bill Clinton immediately acknowledged the city that was hosting him.Clinton may have come to Nanticoke to help stump for fellow democrat and incumbent Congressman Paul Kanjorski but it was the people of Nanticoke who came out to see him.The rally here at the high school was filled with an enthusiastic crowd. "Fantastic! Nanticoke has arrived, let's put it that way," said Jerry Hudak of Nanticoke.Kanjorski is fighting for his seat in the 11th Congressional District against republican challenger Lou Barletta, the mayor of Hazleton.During his speech Clinton acknowledged the national anger against sitting incumbents but reminded the crowd of Kanjorski's service during his 26 years in the U.S. House of Representatives."An election is an employment decision. It is not a referendum, it's a choice. And you are hiring someone to do a job," said Clinton."Paul Kanjorski has done a lot of good things for the area and I know he'll continue to do things in the future," said Pat Andes of Wilkes-Barre. "Lou Barletta's on the wrong track, he does not support any of the issues that are important to this area and Paul Kanjorski does."Also taking the podium at Kanjorski's rally were other democrats running for office including gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato and State House Majority Speaker Todd Eachus. Two years ago Clinton rallied for Kanjorski in Wilkes-Barre, helping him defeat Barletta in 2008.Supporters here say Clinton's latest appearance will give them the boost they need on November 2nd.' With him coming in it shows how important this election is," said Tom McClean of Pittston. "And the biggest thing is people to get out and vote. That's the main thing, if people get out and vote I don't see a problem."In a statement sent over from Lou Barletta's campaign on the former president's visit, Barletta wrote: "It's always an honor to have a former president of the United States in northeastern Pennsylvania. Bill Clinton had his most successful years as president when he had a Republican Congress to provide checks and balances. A Democratic president and a Republican Congress were able to come together to move the country forward. Nowadays, we see what happens when one party has all the control and Paul Kanjorski is part of the reason why this country is moving in the wrong direction. "President Clinton asked people to give Kanjorski two more years, but he's really asking us to give Kanjorski a 28th year. Kanjorski doesn't deserve his 27th and 28th year in Congress".