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Unfortunately for Mitchell and for Kanjorski, it is very likely that the Barletta campaign would be equally "glad to discuss" Mr. Kanjorski's comments about Democrats "stretching the facts" regarding their ability to end the Iraq war due "to the temptation to want to win back the Congress" in 2006.

Llikewise, the Barletta campaign would almost certainly be "glad to discuss" Kanjorski's assertion that he and his fellow Democrats, through their staunch opposition to the overwhelmingly successful 2007 change in strategy in Iraq, actually "forced the President...into the surge." Incidentally, both Kanjorski gaffes occurred after the Barletta campaign poll that showed the challenger up five points on the incumbent.

KANJORSKI HAS NO business being in such a vulnerable position -- especially given that he beat this same opponent by 14 points in a 2002 race for the seat. However, his inability simply to keep quiet and sit on his substantial monetary lead (he currently has $1.83 million on hand to Barletta's $154,000) has made what was expected to be just another overwhelming victory by a Democratic incumbent into a race in which the GOP has a fighting chance.

Kanjorski's sudden proclivity for verbally shooting himself in the foot, combined with the fact that the top of this year's Democratic ticket plays very weakly in his district (Barack Obama lost PA-11 by 42 points to Hillary Clinton in the April 22 primary election), appears to be transforming Kanjorski from a safe Democrat incumbent to a prime target for an upset -- a rare occurrence in a year when the electoral map looks as bad for Republicans as it has in a long time.

topics:
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Business, Earmarks, Social Security, Iraq, Immigration