McCain gives Barletta the cold-shoulder

Senator John McCain has rejected Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta's invitation to come to the city and discuss immigration issues. Jo Black, a scheduling official, said, "I must pass along his regrets as I do not foresee an opportunity to add this event to the calendar." In a letter, Barletta said he was "troubled" by McCain's rejection and hoped he would reconsider.

Last week, Barletta invited the three presidential contenders to visit Hazleton. In the letter, Barletta wrote, "No matter what your position or voting record on illegal immigration, we want you to come to Hazleton and meet with our citizens and talk with our first responders, law enforcement, medical professionals and elected officials.” In the past, Sens. McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama have voiced their opposition to Barletta's controversial anti-illegal immigration city ordinance, which is now being challenged in federal court.

Barletta, whose tough stance on illegal immigration put him in the national spotlight, is now running for Congress in the 11th Congressional District against Rep. Paul Kanjorski.

G. Terry Madonna, of Franklin and Marshall College, told The Citizens Voice earlier this week that, "Coming back once in a while would be a pretty good idea, but (McCain) doesn’t have to live here like the Democrats.”