Barletta to decide next week

Republicans could soon have some more good news on the recruiting front.

A spokesman for Hazleton Mayor Barletta said Wednesday that Barletta will make an announcement about his 2010 intentions on Dec. 9.

Barletta lost to Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) 52-48 last year, and Republicans have hailed his likely return as putting the seat in play again.

"This is an important decision, and Mayor Barletta is giving it the strong consideration it deserves," spokesman Vince Galko said. "As he has said many times, Mayor Barletta is focused on the City of Hazleton and its budget. He (is) also working on some very exciting projects for the city. Mayor Lou Barletta will announce his decision on whether to run or not run for Congress in 2010 a week from today, on Wednesday, Dec. 9."