DCCC spends on Kanjorski's behalf

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is continuing its general election advertising and mail effort, over the weekend reporting expenditures in key districts in New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Alaska and Pennsylvania.

The committee purchased $80,000 in advertising time to defend U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Nanticoke), who is trying to fend off a stiff challenge from Republican Lou Barletta. The DCCC has now spent about $260,000 on Kanjorski’s behalf, more than any other district in the country.

The committee began airing its first television advertising of the cycle in Kanjorski’s Scranton-area district in mid-July.

This weekend’s investments provide a window into the offense-minded posture congressional Democrats are taking this cycle. Of the six districts where the DCCC announced new investments, only one is currently held by a Democrat.

Kanjorski defeated Barletta in 2002, when the mayor of Hazelton first challenged the Democratic lawmaker, who has served 12 terms in Congress.