For Kanjorski, no intention to distance himself from Rangel

Republicans have been pounding politically vulnerable U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Nanticoke) over the fundraising help he's received from embattled U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY).

But Kanjorski has given no indication that he's bowing to pressure to distance himself from Rangel. At a fundraiser for Kanjorski in Washington next week, Rangel will be the main attraction.

"Charlie Rangel is a distinguished member of Congress who has done much for this country," Kanjorski campaign spokesman Ed Mitchell told The New York Times. "We're happy to be associated with him.”

Reflecting an approach being taken by many Democrats with ties to Rangel, Mitchell added of Kanjorski's opponent, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta: "When they return the money they received from Senator Stevens, we'll think about canceling the Rangel fund-raiser."

A recent Franklin & Marshall poll showed Barletta leading Kanjorski by nine points.