HAZLETON – Republican U.S. Senator Arlen Specter endorsed Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta in his race for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 11th District.  Barletta, a Republican and presently mayor of Hazleton, is challenging veteran Democrat Paul Kanjorski.

“Lou Barletta has won the confidence of both parties and that's really quite an accomplishment”, Specter said.  “Lou is just the kind of a person you need to represent you in Washington. I am very proud to call him a friend and I am very much looking forward to having him join me on Capitol Hill.”

Mayor Barletta said, “I am honored to have Senator Specter's support.  I look forward to working with him in Washington to solve the problems facing America.”

Earlier Monday, Mayor Barletta participated in Senator Specter's conference with healthcare professionals and citizens regarding the cancer cluster in Luzerne, Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

This endorsement was announced in front of a packed room in Luzerne County.