The Times-Tribune - Opinion - 12/10/2005 - Brett Feese For Congress?

The Times-Tribune - Opinion - 12/10/2005 - Dem chairman ponders retirement: "Democratic congressional candidate Chris Carney recently submitted the first campaign finance report for his campaign. It shows he has a way to go before he’s in the same league campaign money-wise as the man whose job he wants, Rep. Don Sherwood, R-Tunkhannock Township.

Mr. Carney, a Dimock Township resident, had raised $28,283.99 and spent only $5,864.86, leaving him with $22,419.13 as of Sept. 30, according to his report. Not bad for starters, but he’ll have to do better.

Mr. Sherwood, perhaps spurred by the potential political impact of his personal troubles, raised another $153,513.32 and spent $49,996.85, leaving him with $406,072.40.

l Democratic political consultant Larry Ceisler thinks the heavily Republican nature of Mr. Sherwood’s district makes it unlikely a Democrat can beat him. Mr. Ceisler thinks someone like state Rep. Brett Feese, a Lycoming County Republican who can raise the money necessary to compete, could beat Mr. Sherwood.

Neither Mr. Feese nor any other Republican has shown an interest in taking on Mr. Sherwood. The only Republican to have publicly shown an interest, state Rep. Jerry Birmelin, R-South Canaan Township, has said he won’t run if Mr. Sherwood does."