Chris Hackett

Congressional candidate Chris HackettA prominent business group today endorsed Republican Chris Hackett in his attempt to unseat freshman lawmaker U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-Dimock) in the state's 10th Congressional District, Roll Call reports (subscription only).

The endorsement was one of three made by The Business-Industry Political Action Committee today. The PAC also made endorsements in Congressional races Georgia and Kentucky.

BIPAC CEO Greg Casey said that Hackett's ownership of a temp staffing company in northeastern Pennsylvania will help him "bring a keen awareness of business concerns to Congress,” Roll Call reports.

U.S. Rep. Chris CarneyA former chief of staff of Republican U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter is raising money for Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Carney as he faces a still re-election test, Roll Call reports (subscription required).

David Urban was Specter's chief of staff for five years, but now he is hosting a $1,000-a-head breakfast for Carney July 16 in Washington.

"While I'm a Republican, I like to think I support solid candidates," Urban told Roll Call. "[Carney] is a conservative Democrats ... who deserves to be given another shot."

The second quarter is over and now we wait for the FEC numbers to be released.  But what should we expect?

In the 3rd district Phil English is facing off against challenger Kathy Dahlkemper.  In April English was showing $690k cash on had after raising $282k in the first quarter.   Dalhkemper raised $58k during the same period and had $71k on hand.  This is the make or break quarter for Dahlkemper.  She has been named as a candidate to watch on the DCCC Red-to-Blue program, but another $58k quarter will not get the job done.  For Dahlkemper to be taken seriously by the DCCC she will need to post a number that puts her with at least $250k cash on hand.

Chris Hackett has millions of reason why he is a winner this week.

The two candidates in the 10th Congressional District are trying to prove their opponent isn't interested in lowering gas prices, The Times Leader reports.

U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-Dimock) criticized challenger Chris Hackett for investments he's made in ExxonMobil, Conoco Phillips and Chevron worth between $31,000 and $115,000, telling The Times Leader Hackett is more interested in financial gain than helping everyday citizens. Carney's campaign is urging Hackett to sell the stock.

The Republican Hackett shot back that Carney invested in mutual funds that held stock in oil companies, and said he's trying to distract the public from his opposition to domestic oil drilling.

U.S. Rep. Chris CarneyU.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-Dimock) tried to brandish his bi-partisan credentials at a rally Monday when he gathered about two dozen Republican supporters to launch "Republicans for Carney," The Times-Leader reports.

The gathered registered Republicans said Carney stands up for veterans and often votes against the party on its most liberal issues.

“My campaign is about doing the right thing, putting the needs of our district ahead of the party," Carney told The Times-Leader. "Republicans for Carney is a key component of our campaign, and I look forward to their insight and involvement in the upcoming campaign season."

The campaign for Carney's challenger, Republican Chris Hackett, dismissed the event as a political stunt designed to distract from his liberal voting record.

What makes Senator Anthony Williams a winner this week? He comes up with the brilliant idea of his colleagues doing their job and getting a budget passed. Find out who else joins Williams as a winner this week.

Republican congressional candidate Chris Hackett has taken care of the back-taxes his company owed the government, The Times-Tribune reports.

Hackett, who is running to replace incumbent Chris Carney in the 10th Congressional District, had been criticized for the outstanding debt before his primary victory overDan Meuser. Hackett's company, Workforce Solutions Inc., owed almost $17,000 in back-taxes.