Kanjorski may get primary opponent

A local political blog is reporting that Lackawanna County Commissioner Corey O’Brien is seriously weighing a primary challenge to Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) in 2010.

This past week a few people have told me that Lackawanna County Commissioner Corey O’Brien is gearing up for a primary challenge to Kanjo in 2010 for the 10th CD seat. In fact I have found out that Jimmy Siegel, a big Democratic media gun, has been contacted by O’Brien. I’m not still convinced that O’Brien will make the race. I sent an email to him asking for comment. If he answers I will let you know.

Update: Corey got back to me. He neither confirmed (nor) denied my report. We will get together later this week. I asked him if he was running for Congress and he said “I am seriously considering it.”

If O’Brien can run a serious campaign, Kanjorski is certainly not bulletproof. Despite surviving in 2008 against Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta (R), it’s clear that the aging incumbent’s popularity is waning. It would be interesting to see how it holds up within his own party.

-Aaron Blake