In The News
Welcome to the Callahan for Congress Press Room. Here you'll find the latest news stories and press releases from the campaign.
This page will be updated regularly so check back often. If you think we've missed something please don't hesitate to email the campaign and tell us about it at PressRoom@callahanforcongress.com.
For Immediate Release
October 28, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, P.A. - Today President Bill Clinton headlined a rally to support Mayor John Callahan's campaign for Congress in the Lehigh Valley at Northampton Community College. Approximately 4,000 supporters from all over the Valley turned out to hear President Clinton speak at this rally to kickoff the Callahan Campaign's final “Get Out the Vote” effort.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
October 24, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - On Thursday, October 28th, President Bill Clinton will return to the Lehigh Valley to hold a get out the vote rally in support of Mayor John Callahan's Congressional Campaign. The rally will be held at Northampton Community College's Spartan Center and doors will open at 12:15pm. Also joining at the rally will be gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato.
Mayor Callahan is widely considered to be the top Democratic Congressional challenger in the nation and President Clinton's visit will surely provide a huge boost to Democratic supporters before the final pre-election weekend.
Due to limited space, supporters are being encouraged to reserve a spot by visiting http://callahanforcongress.com/Clinton.
[Read more...]
In his best fundraising quarter yet, Callahan outraises Congressman Dent again
For Immediate Release
October 18, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - On Friday night, the final fundraising quarterly reports were released and Mayor John Callahan outraised Congressman Dent again. In his best fundraising quarter ever, Callahan raised $419,062 compared to Dent's $393,620 - about half of Dent's money came from PACs. Dent has now taken over $2 million in Corporate PAC contributions. Callahan and Dent also ended the quarter with virtually the same cash on hand total.[Read more...]
New Poll: PA-15 Statistically Tied at 43-45
For Immediate Release
October 11, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - A new poll commissioned by the DCCC IE from Grove Insight was released today and it shows that the race for PA-15's Congressional seat is tightening up as Congressman Charlie Dent's numbers are declining.
The poll shows a statistical tie between Callahan and Dent (45-43 Dent). This is the latest in a series of polls showing Dent under 50% as Callahan continues to gain momentum. Since a similar poll was taken by the Morning Call last month Dent has fallen four points while Callahan has gained five.[Read more...]
New Callahan Commercial Sets the Record Straight and holds Dent Accountable for Job Killing Votes
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - This week Mayor John Callahan released a new television commercial to counter Congressman Dent's deceptive negative attacks and set the record straight. As Bethlehem's Republican City Controller clearly stated, the city is "in the black" and Mayor Callahan cut $60 million in debt. Dent however voted for an additional $3 trillion in debt, an $850 billion Wall Street bailout and taxpayer funded bonuses for the failed CEO's that caused the financial crisis.
As Two Year Anniversary of Wall Street Bailout passes, Taxpayers are still Owed Over $310 Billion
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Sunday marked the two year anniversary since Congressman Dent voted for the $850 billion no strings attached Wall Street Bailout. Before Congressman Dent voted for the bailout, he opposed it saying that bailing out Wall Street would "expose taxpayers to a risk" and that "Wall Street would benefit at the expense of the taxpayers." Two years later, it turns out that Congressman Dent was absolutely right because taxpayers are still owed $310 billion from the Wall Street Bailout.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - As Congress debates the Bush tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, the difference between Congressman Dent and Mayor Callahan is clear. Despite all of his rhetoric about budgets, Congressman Dent supports a plan to increase the deficit by another $700 billion to extend the Bush tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires. This comes after Dent voted against the largest middle class tax cut in history in 2009 in the Recovery Act.[Read more...]
Congressman Dent Makes Joke of Ethics Committee
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - What Washington politicians say when they think they're off camera is often very different from what they say in public in front of voters.
“Congressman Dent is part of the problem in Washington DC,” said Justin Schall, Callahan for Congress Campaign Manager. “People have lost faith in their elected officials because of hypocrisy like Dent saying one thing to voters, but another when he’s hanging out by the pool with Republican Leader Boehner and his donors. Charlie has forgotten that it is his job to represent voters, not make jokes at their expense.”
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - In a recent television commercial, Congressman Pat Toomey said that Congressman Sestak was being “too liberal with our money” when he voted for the Wall Street bailout. In last Monday's debate, Congressman Dent tried very hard to defend the Wall Street bailout, but his close political ally and Wall Street expert Pat Toomey is now saying that “Wall St is the last place that should ever get a taxpayer bailout.”[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
September 16, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Congressman Charlie Dent doesn’t have a jobs plan, so he's decided to focus on endorsing a $700 billion tax break for the super rich[1] and attacking Callahan's jobs plan. While almost all of Dent's attacks were false or misleading, one was so hypocritical even other Washington politicians must have been blushing.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
September 14, 2010 - COLLEGE HILL, PA. - In last night's opening debate, the difference between Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and Congressman Charlie Dent became crystal clear. During the debate, Congressman Dent endorsed an agenda that would gamble Social Security on Wall Street and raise the retirement age to 70. Dent stated “I will vote for John Boehner” for Speaker, and said it was “the most important vote” of the next Congress. Callahan disagreed stating that he thinks the most important votes in the next Congress will be about job creation and debt reduction.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
September 8, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Today Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan was informed that Congressman Dent will not participate in a debate at Northampton Community College. Northampton CC has been a critical local resource for retraining workers for the new jobs coming into the Lehigh Valley and was recently named as one of the 50 best Community Colleges by Washington Monthly. In 2005, Congressman Dent voted against job training funding for veterans and workers that lost their jobs due to outsourcing. Then in 2006, Dent voted for the single largest cut to student aid in history. It's not surprising that he doesn't want to talk about these issues at Northampton Community College.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
September 3, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Today Bethlehem Mayor and Congressional Challenger John Callahan released his first television ad in the race for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. The ad, “Main Street vs. Wall Street,” highlights Mayor Callahan's record of working to bring over 5,000 jobs to the Lehigh Valley while reducing over $60 million in government debt with Congressman Dent's vote for the $850 billion Wall Street bailout and vote to allow taxpayer funded bonuses for Wall Street CEOs.[Read more...]
Dents Plan: Less for Small Businesses, More for Corporations that Outsource Jobs, Dodge Taxes
For Immediate Release
September 1, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Yesterday in response to John Callahan's Five Point Jobs Plan, Congressman Charlie Dent made his priorities clear: Dent is against tax cuts to help small businesses hire new employees, but for tax handouts to corporations that outsource jobs or use off-shore tax shelters to avoid U.S. taxes. Congressman Dent has taken over $1.7 million in corporate special interest money and he's repeatedly voted for them instead of small businesses.[Read more...]
Callahan Unveils Plan to Spur Job Creation and Repair the Economy
For Immediate Release
August 31, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Today Congressional challenger and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan laid out his Five-Point Plan to spur job creation and repair the economic damage caused by years of failed policies supported by Congressman Charlie Dent.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
August 26, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Today Congressional candidate and Mayor of Bethlehem John Callahan was joined by teachers from every school district in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District to discuss the state of education in Pennsylvania and unveil Callahan's plan to help our children receive the best education possible. Callahan also called out Congressman Dent for his recent vote to fire almost 6,000 Pennsylvania teachers. Dent's vote would have meant bigger classrooms, less personal attention to individual students and ultimately would have resulted in more kids falling through the cracks. Callahan also condemned the Race to the Top program for rationing educational resources based on a one size fits all contest.[Read more...]
Congressman Working Men and Women stand with John Callahan for Congress
For Immediate Release
August 17, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Today Mayor John Callahan unveiled 31 endorsements from labor organizations in his campaign for Congress. These unions represent a grassroots network of thousands of working men and women in the Lehigh Valley who will volunteer and play an instrumental role in delivering Mayor Callahan's message to voters.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
August 13, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - On Friday Republican Minority Leader John Boehner will visit the Lehigh Valley to raise money for Congressman Charlie Dent. Seniors should take notice, because if Dent is reelected and Boehner becomes the Speaker, they'll work together to raise the retirement age for seniors, and privatize Social Security and Medicare.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
August 11, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Yesterday Congressman Charlie Dent protected corporate outsourcers instead of jobs for teachers, firefighters and police officers by voting to protect tax handouts for corporations that ship our jobs overseas. This bill creates or saves the jobs of 161,000 teachers and educators as well as 158,000 public and private sector jobs such as firefighters and police officers. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this bill also reduces the deficit by $1.4 billion over the next 10 years.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
August 10, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Today President Bill Clinton visited the Lehigh Valley to support Mayor John Callahan's campaign for Congress. At the event, which raised approximately $150,000 from 502 individual supporters, President Clinton spoke about Mayor Callahan's record of bringing over 5,000 jobs to the Lehigh Valley and cutting $60 million in city spending. Of the 502 supporters at the event, approximately 400 made contributions of $150 or less.[Read more...]
Mayor John Callahan accepts six debates and forums
For Immediate Release
August 5, 2010 - “Open and public debates are an integral part of our democracy. We need to create jobs and bring down skyrocketing deficits and I look forward to discussing these important issues during the debates with Republican Congressman Charlie Dent and Tea Party candidate Jake Towne,” said Mayor John Callahan. “I hope that Congressman Dent and Jake Towne will immediately accept these debates and I hope we can schedule more of them.”[Read more...]
Are taxpayer dollars being spent on Congressman Dent's Gulf Coast Photo-op?
For Immediate Release
August 3, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - On Friday, Congressman Dent voted against common sense oversight to prevent future Big Oil disasters like the BP spill, but today he's in the Gulf Coast for a photo-op with three Republican Congressmen. Dent's opposition to strengthening oversight in the oil industry is nothing new. In 2008 Dent wrote an editorial in the Morning Call where he argued against “burdensome regulation” in the Oil industry. The Gulf Coast has suffered the worst environmental disaster in American history which cost thousands of jobs, and still Dent votes to protect Big Oil. [Read more...]
Congressman Charlie Dent - a history of outsourcing American jobs and American tax dollars
For Immediate Release
July 27, 2010 - BETHLEHEM, PA. - Fighting to protect American workers and taxpayers, today Mayor John Callahan called out Congressman Charlie Dent for his record of outsourcing American jobs and American tax dollars. On Monday, it was reported that Goldman Sachs gave up to $4.3 billion in taxpayer funds from the $850 billion Wall Street bailout to “overseas banks, hedge funds and pensions” [1]. Congressman Dent, who took over $308,000 from Wall Street special interests [2], voted for the no strings attached Wall Street bailout, but that was just one of the many votes he's taken to support the special interests over working Americans.[Read more...]
VIDEO: Fox Philly looks at Congressman Dent's debate problem
July 26, 2010 - In case you missed it: Last night on Fox Philly, a three minute story ran analyzing the impact of Tea Party candidate Jake Towne on Congressman Dent's reelection effort in the 15th Congressional District.
KEY FACT: Congressman Dent is against allowing Tea Party Candidate Jake Towne to participate in debates even though Towne has done the work to earn his place as a third party candidate on the ballot in the November election.
For Immediate Release
July 19, 2010 - Today Congressman Charlie Dent brought Rudy Giuliani, former Presidential candidate and current high powered Wall Street attorney, to the Lehigh Valley for a fundraiser. Giuliani's Wall Street special interest law firm, Bracewell & Giuliani, created a “task force” to help Wall Street financial institutions get money from the Wall Street bailout, which Congressman Dent voted for. Now Giuliani is holding a fundraiser to return the favor to Congressman Dent.[Read more...]
Callahan asks Congressman Dent to answer one question
For Immediate Release
July 15, 2010 - I'm asking Congressman Dent a very simple question, does he think Tom Corbett owes the unemployed workers of the Lehigh Valley an apology? said Mayor Callahan. Tom Corbett is the leader of the Pennsylvania Republican Party as the candidate for Governor, and Congressman Dent should say whether he stand with him or against him on this issue.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2010 - Tonight Congressman Charlie Dent voted against the final version of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - this is the fourth time he's voted against holding his Wall Street contributors accountable since voting to give them an $850 billion bailout. This common sense Wall Street reform bill will bring stability to our financial markets by implementing strong Wall Street oversight and increasing protections for Main Street consumers. It also prevents future taxpayer funded bailouts and marks the end of an era for “too big to fail” financial firms.[Read more...]
Republican Leader Boehner calls for increasing the Social Security retirement age to 70
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2010 - Yesterday in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Republican Leader John Boehner called for increasing the Social Security retirement age to 70. Mayor John Callahan denounced Boehner's comments as out of touch and he called on Congressman Charlie Dent to join him in rejecting all Republican efforts to weaken Social Security. In 2005, Congressman Dent supported President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security which would have placed billions of tax dollars on Wall Street before the meltdown. With millions of seniors on fixed incomes trying to make ends meet, privatizing Social Security in 2005 would have led to drastic cuts in their benefits today.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
June 29, 2010 - 63 days ago Mayor John Callahan announced his support for the financial reform bill and called on Congressman Charlie Dent to stop voting to protect his Wall Street contributors. Now, with the final version of the financial reform bill completed and a vote expected this week, it is time for Charlie Dent to tell the families of the 15th Congressional District whether he'll vote to protect Wall Street for a fourth time, or whether he'll protect community banks, small businesses and working families from being left on the hook to pay for another bailout.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
June 24, 2010 - Today Mayor John Callahan challenged Republican Charlie Dent to join him in signing a letter that calls on all federal elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, to donate campaign contributions from BP to charities that will help with Gulf Coast recovery efforts.[Read more...]
Charlie Dent Should Not Pocket $10,500 From Big Oils #1 Apologist
For Immediate Release
June 18, 2010 - Yesterday, Rep. Joe Barton (TX-6), who is the highest ranking Republican on the House committee tasked with holding Oil Corporations accountable, made major news by apologizing to BP's CEO Tony Hayward during a hearing because BP is being forced to pay for their disaster. Immediately afterward, Mayor John Callahan joined Republican Congressman Jeff Miller (FL-1) in calling for Rep. Barton to step down or be removed from his leadership position on the Energy & Commerce Committee. Callahan called on Dent to do the same, but he has refused to call for accountability from Rep. Barton, a powerful 26 year incumbent Congressman.[Read more...]
Does Charlie Dent agree with high ranking Republican that just apologized to BP's CEO?
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2010 - Today Congressional candidate John Callahan asked Congressman Charlie Dent to join him in calling for Rep. Joe Barton to step down from the Energy & Commerce Committee where he is the Ranking Republican. Rep. Barton, who has repeatedly stood up for Big Oil in the past, today said that he thinks it's "a tragedy" for BP to pay $20 billion to mitigate economic losses in the Gulf from the oil spill. Rep. Barton then went on to "apologize" to BP CEO Tony Hayward.[Read more...]
New Web Ad highlights Congressman Dent's votes against holding Wall Street Accountable
For Immediate Release
June 7, 2010 - Before, During and After voting for the $850 billion Bush Banking Bailout with no oversight, Dent has a record of opposing common sense Wall Street reforms. Today Mayor John Callahan released a new ad to encourage people to sign a petition to tell Congressman Dent to stop voting against holding Wall Street accountable in anticipation of the upcoming financial reform bill.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
June 4, 2010 - Callahan to Dent: I find it deeply disturbing that the person who was in charge of identifying and firing Jews for Richard Nixon is so actively engaged in supporting Congressman Charlie Dent[Read more...]
Dent keeps ducking from media about his support for Wall Street Special Interests
For Immediate Release
May 25, 2010 - This morning an article appeared in the Washington paper The Hill highlighting Congressman Charlie Dent's support for Wall Street Special Interests and his refusal to take a position on the Wall Street reform bill. Since voting for the Bush Banking Bailout, Congressman Dent has voted three times to protect Wall Street from being held accountable for its irresponsible behavior. As a result, he has received $303,579 from Commercial Banks, and Securities & Investment Industry Special Interests[Read more...]
Callahan again calls on Dent to stop voting against common sense Wall Street Reforms
For Immediate Release
May 20, 2010 - Congressional candidate John Callahan is calling on Congressman Dent, once again, to tell voters where he stands on the Wall Street reform bill in the Senate. In December 2009, Congressman Dent voted against the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act[1]. Now, as another critical deadline approaches, he is refusing to take a stand on the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010.[Read more...]
Rain can't stop Callahan Supporters from Getting out the Vote
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2010 - Despite the rain this morning, Congressional Candidate and Mayor of Bethlehem John Callahan and his wife Mafalda voted in the Democratic Primary and brought coffee and donuts to poll workers at their polling site in Bethlehem as well as Agricultural Hall in Allentown. At both locations, they were greeted by enthusiastic supporters. After bringing refreshments for the volunteer election workers, Mayor Callahan gave the following remarks.[Read more...]
Callahan Supports Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2010 - Today John Callahan, Congressional candidate in PA-15, announced his support for the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Bill and called on Congressman Dent and his fellow Republicans to support common sense safeguards to ensure taxpayers don’t get stuck bailing out Wall Street banks again.[Read more...]
5 GOP House Seats Dems Could Win
Real Clear Politics
April 23, 2010 - Rep. Charlie Dent is facing his most difficult re-election this year, with Democrats scoring one of their top recruits in the nation: Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, who received a fundraising visit from Biden just last week. [Read more...]
Callahan backs Specter in Democratic Senate primary
The Morning Call
April 19, 2010 - Callahan, who is running for Congress against Republican incumbent Charlie Dent in the Lehigh Valley's 15th District, said Specter, who switched from the Republican to Democratic party last year, has been a strong advocate for Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley in Congress.[Read more...]
Joe Biden attends Bethlehem groundbreaking, stumps for John Callahan
Lehigh Valley Express Times
April 16, 2010 - Vice President Joe Biden's visit to the Bethlehem area had the region and lehighvalleylive.com buzzing Thursday. Biden visited Ben Franklin TechVentures, where he participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion project, part of which is being paid for with a $6.2 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant.[Read more...]
A federal boon to grow Ben Franklin Technology Partners
The Morning Call
April 16, 2010 - Vice President Joe Biden came to Lehigh University on Thursday with a message of compassion for the jobless and of hope that the economy is headed for brighter days. [Read more...]
For Immediate Release
April 7, 2010 - Today, Bethlehem Mayor and Democratic candidate for Congress in Pennsylvanias 15th district John Callahan announced that his campaign has raised over $1,000,000 since launching his candidacy. Callahan will report over $825,000 cash on hand and over $320,000 raised in the first quarter of this year. [Read more...]
The Express-Times
April 7, 2010 - House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer joined Democratic congressional candidate John Callahan in a campaign event Tuesday to herald a recent increase in federal financial aid for college students.[Read more...]
Callahan, House leader Hoyer discuss federal student-loan law
The Morning Call
April 7, 2010 - At Muhlenberg College in Allentown, campaign barbs flew like pollen as congressional candidate John Callahan and the second highest-ranking member of the U.S. House blasted Republican incumbent Charlie Dent for voting against a new federal law aimed at freeing up more financial aid for college students.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
April 6, 2010 - Educations leaders, students and parents joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Mayor John Callahan at Muhlenberg College for an in-depth look at the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibilities Act (SAFRA).[Read more...]
CALLAHAN SUPPORTS HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
Dent Sides with Insurance Lobbyists, Special Interests Over Lehigh Valley
For Immediate Release
March 22, 2010 - Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan today announced his support for health insurance reform after Republican Charlie Dent yesterday voted to protect health insurance special interests groups: "As Ive stated for months, this country needed healthcare reform. Though this bill is far from perfect, and the process was far from perfect, the fact is our healthcare system is broken and the status quo is unsustainable. I believe that passing this bill is a step in the right direction because the good outweighs the bad for the people of the Lehigh Valley." [Read more...]
Vice President Joe Biden to Campaign for Mayor John Callahan
For Immediate Release
March 17, 2010 - The Callahan for Congress Campaign today announced that Vice President Joe Biden will be coming to the Lehigh Valley on April 15, 2010 for an event with Mayor John Callahan.[Read more...]
Callahan rips Dent on women's rights
Democratic challenger cites two votes by GOP congressman on abortion and equal pay
The Morning Call
March 17, 2010 - Seeking to motivate his base, particularly women, Democrat John Callahan is accusing Republican U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent of wanting to turn back the clock and make women's rights a ''thing of the past.'' In a fundraising e-mail sent to supporters of his bid for Congress, the Bethlehem mayor cites two 2009 Dent votes -- for the Stupak-Pitts amendment that restricted abortion coverage in the House health care reform bill, and against an equal pay act named after gender discrimination plaintiff Lilly Ledbetter -- to try to tarnish Dent's record on women's issues.[Read more...]
The Washington Post
March 12, 2010 - Below you'll find our rankings of the 20 House races most likely to switch parties in the November election. As always, the number one ranked race is considered the most vulnerable to a party turnover... 20. Pennsylvania's 15th (Republican-controlled): In an election without much good news, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan is a Democratic bright spot. Democratic strategists are convinced that he will be coming to Congress based on his candidate skills, internal polling and the fact that Rep. Charlie Dent (R) hasn't had a serious race since coming to Congress in 2004. It may not be that easy. This is former Rep. Pat Toomey's (R) old congressional seat and he'll need a big turnout in it this fall if he hopes to win the Senate race. (Previous ranking: N/A)[Read more...]
Upper Saucon builder to move into downtown Bethlehem
The Morning Call
March 12, 2010 - An Upper Saucon Township construction company is moving its corporate offices to the building in Bethlehem that replaced the old Weinland's Hardware store after fire gutted it five years ago. Allied Building Corp. will occupy the second and third floors and is in talks with several retail tenants for the first floor of 574 Main St., a three-story building on the southeast corner of Main and Broad streets. ''This is one of the most important, marquee corners in Bethlehem and, arguably, the Lehigh Valley,'' Mayor John Callahan said Thursday at a news conference in the building. ''What happens on this corner, in this building, is very important.''[Read more...]
Tables success best chance for Sands to finish its Bethlehem project
The Morning Call
March 10, 2010 - When Sands Casino Resort officials make their pitch tomorrow to add table games to their casino, there may be little question that they'll get approval from the state Gaming Control board..."It's going to drive hundreds of new jobs, it's going to make this a full service casino and it's going to ultimately lead to the build out of this site,," said Mayor John Callahan. "It's doesn't get much bigger than that." Sands' application calls for 89 table games that would help create nearly 400 jobs.[Read more...]
For Immediate Release
March 10, 2010 - John Callahan announced today that they have earned a spot on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees (DCCC) highly competitive Red to Blue program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that he will work to create jobs and stand up for the middle class.[Read more...]
Politico
March 10, 2010 - The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee plans to announce the first 13 House challengers and open-seat candidates to receive support through the committee's "Red to Blue" program Wednesday. The selections are a guide to where the party senses it may have opportunities to play offense this cycle, despite the difficult environment and the fact that it already occupies the vast majority of competitive seats on the map. Here's the list: ...Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, running against Pennsylvania Rep. Charlie Dent...[Read more...]
Volunteers gather 2591 Petition Signatures for Mayor John Callahans Congressional Campaign
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2010 - Lehigh Valley Democratic Congressional Candidate Mayor John Callahan successfully filed 2,591 signatures for the 15th Congressional District this morning with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State.[Read more...]
Sands CEO says work on hotel to resume
The Morning Call
March 2, 2010 - ''I'm encouraged to see the hotel project moving forward,'' Callahan said. ''During these tough economic times, it's critical to have responsible corporate partners like Sands who are committed to creating over 1,000 good-paying jobs for folks here in the Lehigh Valley.''[Read more...]
LehighValleyLive.com
February 19, 2010 - When Mafalda Villani Callahan introduced her husband as her best friend and our next Congressman the crowd was ready to carry him on their shoulders and he hadnt even spoken yet...Her words were enlightening about his character and their emotional impact if properly communicated could have a profound impact on the voters.[Read more...]
Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan says taxes will remain steady, crime is down, jobs are up
Express-Times
February 18, 2010 - Bethlehem is paying off its debt and will hold the line on taxes, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan said this morning in his State of the City address. [Read more...]
Hundreds of Supporters Rally for Callahan Campaign Kick-Off
For Immediate Release
February 17, 2010 - In front of more than 350 supporters at the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Hall in Allentown, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan announced that he will run as a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District seat. [Read more...]
Mayor John Callahan to Host Petition Kick-Off Dinner for Congressional Campaign
For Immediate Release
February 16, 2010 - Democratic Congressional Candidate Mayor John Callahan of Bethlehem announces a petition kick off dinner. The event will be held on February 17th from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 375 on Liberty Street in Allentown. [Read more...]
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2010 - In todays Morning Call Congressman Dent says that he stands by his vote that resulted in a 30% rate hike for electricity for small businesses and consumers in the Lehigh Valley. [Read more...]
Rising electric bills heat up congressional race
The Morning Call
February 15, 2010 - ''I do think that government can and should play an appropriate role in the marketplace,'' Callahan said. ''The question comes down to balance -- not too much and not too little. Otherwise, you end up in this situation we are in now: Electric companies raising billions of profits and raising rates by 30 percent.'' Dent said he stands by his vote, which helped open the electricity market in the state to competition.[Read more...]
Charlie Dent’s Votes Results in 30% Electric Bill Hike
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2010 - Lehigh Valley ratepayers can thank Congressman Charlie Dent for the 30% hike in electric rates they’re seeing on their bills this month. In Harrisburg, Charlie Dent voted to deregulate Pennsylvania electric companies leading to the 30% rate hike and twice voted against safeguards in the deregulation to ensure a rate decrease for consumers. [Read more...]
John Callahan Out Raises Dent for Second Straight Quarter
For Immediate Release
February 1, 2010 - Mayor John Callahan overtakes three term incumbent in total cash on hand in less than five months raising 80% of his individual donations from Pennsylvania and 31% from Republicans. Congressman Dent raises 46% from DC special interest PACs and only 8% from Democrats in PA.[Read more...]
Early 2009 fundraising numbers set stage for 2010 congressional election
The Hill
January 17, 2010 - Bethlehem, Pa., Mayor John Callahan (D) raised $380,000 and had $625,000 in the bank. Both of those are more than Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), who raised about $350,000 and had $600,000 on hand. Interestingly, more than a quarter (28 percent) of Callahan’s contributions came from registered Republicans.[Read more...]
John Callahan outraises Charlie Dent by $30,000 in last quarter fundraising
Express-Times
January 14, 2010 - Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan has raised $380,000 in the last quarter of 2009 for his congressional campaign against Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Lehigh Valley, who raised about $350,000.[Read more...]
Dems: No, GOP won't take the House
Politico
January 14, 2010 - Top Democrats are willing to concede that the 2010 midterm election isn't going to be a picnic. It's been years since the party has faced a landscape this tough, and they know it. But lose the House majority? Please.[Read more...]
Dent, Callahan spar over spending
The Morning Call
January 3, 2010 - What promises to be a hard-fought battle for the 15th Congressional District seat has started with a skirmish over government spending.[Read more...]
Christopher Borick - 2010 election will keep nation's eyes on Pennsylvania
The Morning Call - Opinion
January 3, 2010 - Over the last decade, Pennsylvanians have become very accustomed to high profile political campaigns. The state has been the setting for dramatic presidential election battles and a slew of other races that have captured attention beyond the commonwealth's borders.[Read more...]
Bethlehem will follow a year of growth with hopes of even more
The Morning Call
December 28, 2009 - Before we bid farewell to 2009, I want to take a moment and reflect on what was a truly momentous year for the city of Bethlehem.[Read more...]
Bethlehem council passes no-tax-hike budget
The Morning Call
December 23, 2009 - Despite a last-minute debate over adding a couple of new police officers next year, Bethlehem City Council passed a no-tax-increase budget Tuesday much as Mayor John Callahan proposed it.[Read more...]
Rep. Charlie Dent, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan starting early in 15th District congressional race
The Express-Times
December 20, 2009 - In the 15th Congressional District race, December 2009 is the new August 2010.[Read more...]
Democrats to the left Of Dent, Republicans to the right
The Hill
December 18, 2009 - Healthcare reform is galvanizing challengers to Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) on both sides of the political spectrum.[Read more...]
Rep Charlie Dent now has a foe on his right, too
The Morning Call
December 18, 2009 - The fiscally conservative 9/12 Tea Party movement has produced a Republican primary challenger to U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent.[Read more...]
Democrats see chinks in Charlie Dent's armor
Politico
December 17, 2009 - For three years, Democrats courted Bethlehem, Pa., Mayor John Callahan in the hopes of persuading him to run for Congress against Republican Rep. Charlie Dent. And now that he's committed to the race, the national party believes that he has perhaps the best chance of any Democratic challenger of knocking off a GOP incumbent next year.[Read more...]
Democrats' ads target House GOP on finance bill vote
The Washington Times
December 17, 2009 - Democrats are targeting a dozen vulnerable House Republicans with a media blitz beginning this week that accuses them of protecting the interests of big banks at the expense of ordinary Americans.[Read more...]
DCCC Radio Ad Targets GOP on Financial Regulation
CQPolitics
December 15, 2009 - The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is going after five Republican members with a radio ad buy this week, seeking to paint their vote against Democrats' financial regulatory overhaul bill last week as a sign they are beholden to Wall Street.[Read more...]
House Republicans Forced to Play Defense
myDD.com
December 15, 2009 - I'm trying to figure out how the Republicans are supposed to have a legitimate shot at retaking the House in 2010 but am still getting stuck on the math. As I noted last month, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was, as of the latest numbers, sitting on a net 5.5 times more money in the bank than the National Republican Congressional Committee, with the NRCC holding roughly enough money to competitively play in -- no joke -- one or two congressional districts. And where is the NRCC spending money right now? Not on offense but on defense.[Read more...]
Democrats' Ads Slam Republicans as Cozy With Wall Street
New York Times Blogs: The Caucus
December 15, 2009 - The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is starting up an advertising campaign against a group of House Republicans who voted against legislation last week that would overhaul the financial regulatory system. [Read more...]
Dems hit Dent back, linking him to Bush
Pennsylvania Ave. (blog)
December 15, 2009 - The slug-fest in the 15th District is not taking a break, even for Christmas.[Read more...]
NRCC Playing Defense With PA-15 Radio Ad
RealClearPolitics.com
December 15, 2009 - Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) has fended off challengers before in this moderate district, but national Democrats this year finally got the candidate they've always wanted, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan. While most stories these days focus on the number of seats the GOP will win back in 2010, the National Republican Congressional Committee is also focused on holding on to seats like Dent's. [Read more...]
Democrats Target House Republicans on Financial Overhaul Vote
Wall Street Journal Blogs: Washington Wire
December 15, 2009 - When the House passed its version of a sweeping overhaul of financial industry regulation last Friday, not a single House Republican voted for the bill.[Read more...]
DCCC targets GOP members for voting against Wall Street Regs
USA Today
December 15, 2009 - A new set of radio ads released by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee attacks certain Republican House members for voting on Friday against the bill to impose new regulations on Wall Street.[Read more...]
John Callahan joins health care rally outside Charlie Dent's office in Bethlehem
LehighValleyLive.com
November 12, 2009 - Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan took part in a health care rally this afternoon outside the office of Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Lehigh Valley, who he is challenging for Congress.[Read more...]
Bethlehem to increase spending but not taxes, Mayor John Callahan says
LehighValleyLive.com
November 5, 2009 - Bethlehem won't raise taxes next year despite increasing the budget by more than $6 million, Mayor John Callahan said this morning.[Read more...]
Campaign cash: The tops and the flops
Politico
October 16, 2009 - On the Democratic side, one of the partys top recruits, Bethlehem mayor John Callahan established himself as one of the partys strongest House recruits, raising $346,000 - over $114,000 more than Republican Rep. Charlie Dent. [Read more...]
The Morning Call
October 15, 2009 - Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent in the Lehigh Valley's congressional district, is off to a fast fundraising start, collecting about $345,000 in the three months that ended Sept. 30, according to his campaign.[Read more...]
Callahan off to fast fundraising start
themorningcall.com - Pennsylvania Ave.
October 14, 2009 - Democrat John Callahan, challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent in the Lehigh Valley's 15th District, is off to a fast fundraising start, collecting about $345,000 in the three months that ended Sept. 30, according to his campaign.[Read more...]
Democrats get their man in race against Dent in Pa.
The Hill
July 29, 2009 - It took three years, but Democrats finally got the candidate they wanted to take on Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.).[Read more...]
Mayor Ends Speculation, Announces Run For Congress
wfmz.com
July 27, 2009 - Months of speculation, fueled to a greater level in recent days by various media reports and strongly-worded statements from the leaders of the opposing political party, came to an end this morning with the announcement by Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan that he will run for Congress.[Read more...]
The Morning Call
July 22, 2009 - Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan will run for Congress against Republican incumbent Charlie Dent in 2010, sources say, setting up a political battle the likes of which the Lehigh Valley hasn't seen in 17 years.[Read more...]