Hazleton, Pa. mayor Lou Barletta’s “change” message seems to be resonating with voters in Northeastern Pennsylvania, because the Republican challenger has surged 9 points ahead of long-time incumbent Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D). A new poll, taken by Franklin & Marshall College, found Barletta ahead 44 to 35, with 21 percent undecided.

Barletta, who became known in 2006 after launching a crusade against illegal immigration, last attempted to topple Kanjorski in 2002, and he was considered a long shot in this race until this past June. In addition to his high profile, Barletta may be helped by Kanjorski’s association with the collapsing financial sector—he sits on the House Finance Committee and has received campaign donations from several sup-prime lenders. Though Barletta made the race competitive with illegal immigration, it seems that this will ultimately be a referendum on Kanjorski.

If Barletta wins, will he take the illegal immigration issue to Washington? He has already criticized both presidential candidates over the issue. Touching on several issues of importance to Pennsylvanians, he told the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader:

If they are serious about fixing health care, education, local and national security, budget issues, and the economy, then they can’t deny the negative effect illegal immigration has on all those issues.

Barletta at a parade in Scranton. (LouBarletta.com)