HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta was endorsed by the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, which represents more than 250,000 veterans and 2 million family members in more than 80 veterans organizations and veterans advocacy groups.

The coalition’s board unanimously voted to endorse Mayor Barletta, according to John J. Molloy, chairman of the coalition.

“The National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition strongly supports the protection and defense of the U.S. Constitution, and Lou Barletta, through his strong stance against illegal immigration, has been focused on defending the Constitution,” Molloy said.

In its endorsement letter, the coalition noted Mayor Barletta’s “efforts on behalf of our nation’s military personnel and our veterans were genuine and not motivated by political grandstanding.”

“I’m proud to accept the endorsement of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition. The support of those brave men and women who fought for our country and for the freedom we enjoy today means a lot to me,” Mayor Barletta said.

Barletta, a Republican, is challenging Democrat incumbent Paul Kanjorski