President Barack Obama won’t find Congressman Paul Kanjorski’s signature on the letter nominating Joe Paterno for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and one of Kanjorski’s opponents wants to know why.
Hazleton mayor and congressional candidate Lou Barletta is questioning why 26-year incumbent Kanjorski, D-Pa., did not sign the letter in support of Paterno, according to a press release.
Shawn Kelly, a spokesman for Barletta’s campaign, said Paterno is a living legend in Pennsylvania.
He said he doesn’t understand why Kanjorski would not sign the letter supporting the coach.
“It’s extremely hard to comprehend why Kanjorski did not sign this nomination letter for JoePa,” Kelly said. “By failing to sign this letter, Kanjorski shows once again how out of touch he is.”
Kanjorski said he recognizes the pride Paterno brings to Penn State and to all Pennsylvania residents.
But, he added, he thinks Congress should be focused on other issues.
“At this time, Congress should focus its efforts on creating jobs in our communities and reviving the economy, rather than politicizing football,” Kanjorski said. “This is where my focus has been and where it will continue to be.”
Established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman, the Medal of Freedom is awarded annually to civilians who make significant contributions toward world peace, national interests of the U.S. or important public or private endeavors, according to the White House website.
The letter was signed by 16 representatives from Pennsylvania and one representative from Virginia, who “wanted his signature to reflect that he is a Penn State alumni, Class of 1961” according to a press release.
Drafted by Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., the letter summarizes some of Paterno’s career achievements on and off the field.
It cites his involvement in the Pennsylvania Special Olympics and donations to the libraries and scholarship funds at Penn State.
“He has amassed nearly 400 wins, more than any other coach in Division I history. His program has never been on probation,” the letter reads. “There has never been an accusation of corrupt recruiting and, in what is depressingly rare, his players stay in school and graduate.”
If chosen, Paterno would join Paul “Bear” Bryant and John Wooden as one of the few college sports coaches who have received this honor.