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An effort from U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorksi (D-Nanticoke) to hold town-hall style conferences over the phone has drawn criticism from challenger Lou Barletta, who says the tele-conferences are purely taxpayer-funded political advertisements.

It is the latest salvo in what has emerged as an aggressive campaign from the Hazelton mayor as he tries to unseat the longtime incumbent.

Kanjorski counters the meetings are simply a good way to garner constituent feedback while saving them gas money.