Posted on 05/16/2007 6:14:41 AM PDT by philsfan24
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who gained national prominence by targeting illegal immigrants living in his small northeastern Pennsylvania city, cruised to the Republican nomination for a third term on Tuesday — and unexpectedly won the Democratic nomination, too.
Barletta trounced GOP challenger Dee Deakos with nearly 94 percent of the vote. And he beat former Mayor Michael Marsicano for the Democratic nomination by staging a last-minute write-in campaign, all but guaranteeing himself another term, unofficial returns showed.
"I think the message is clear," Barletta said. "The people of Hazleton want me to keep fighting for them."
The Republican mayor said Democrats kept telling him they wished they could vote for him in the primary. So, about a week ago, he mailed instructions to Democratic voters on how to write in his name.
Marsicano, a retired airline pilot who was Hazleton's mayor from 1996 to 1999, had appeared alone on the Democratic ballot.
Barletta, a businessman who took office in 2000, proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act last year after four illegal immigrants were charged with shooting and killing a man.
The measure, on hold due to a legal challenge by Hispanic groups and individuals, was approved last summer and emulated by towns and cities around the nation. It would penalize landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and businesses that hire them.
Barletta has been mentioned as a potential candidate for higher office, but for now he said his focus is on seeing the ordinance through.
He said he was gratified by the overwhelming hometown support, particularly given that Democrats hold a 2-1 registration edge over Republicans in the city of more than 30,000.
"I know I made history here as a write-in, especially in a city of this size. It's not an easy thing to do," he said. "I'm so humbled by the amount of support."
Also Tuesday, two Hispanic candidates lost their primary bids for two open seats on Hazleton City Council. One of the candidates, Rudy Espinal, is a plaintiff in the illegal immigrant lawsuit.
I hope he runs for governor of Pa.
He would have my vote.
He would have my vote.
He would have my vote.
ping
I give him credit for at least trying to do something about the illegal immigration problem. Seems that no one from either party wants to touch the issue, apart from a few wishy-washy proposals (see guest worker program) that won’t do a dang thing to solve the problem. Maybe the man’s methods are sound or maybe not — I don’t know — but he has the guts to step up and tackle an issue the other politicos are to chicken to touch.
are you a dem? you vote 3 times? LOL
The WSJ tells us this is impossible.
this guy is awesome......he sent out instructions to the dem voters on how to write him in for the dem nomination, while actively campaigning on the rep side? .....ROTFLMAO!!!
X’s 2
Now that is good bipartisanship.
Is this a winning issue or what? Who owns these traitorous politicians in both parties?
When will the rest of the nation and its leaders realize illegal immigration/border security is the number 1 issue that concerns us. At least it does in my book.
democrats need instruction on how to write in a name on the ballot?
Hopefully, a candidate or two for the presidency will take note.
Somebody get this to Karl Rove, who in his genius claims that being anti-illegal is a losing proposition for Republicans.
Barletta proves that it is a losing proposition - but for Democrats.
I’m a dem wannabe. I desire no responsibility for my actions. Actually, I reposted because I thought it wasn’t loading.
that’s ok, I couldn’t help myself - I started laughing and had to post....
Self ping. I’m gonna send this to my Congress critters!
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