PA-11 race to feature one debate

DES MOINES -- The competitive race between U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorksi (D-Nanticoke) and Republican challenger Lou Barletta will feature just one debate, which will air district wide on local TV Oct. 29.

The debate, editorial board meetings and individual interactions with constituents will give voters enough information to know where each candidate stands, Kanjorski spokesman Ed Mitchell said.

"The Congressman has a job to do in September in the capital and he's going to continue to fully represent the people of the 11th, despite the time demands of the campaign," Mitchell said. "We simply have too many commitments in October after Congress adjourns to fit in any other debates."

The Hazelton mayor has run an aggressive campaign to turn what many once thought was a safe bet for Democrats into one of the few opportunities nationwide for a Republican takeover, although Kanjorski still holds a significant fundraising advantage.