By DANIELLE LYNCH
dlynch@delcotimes.com

RADNOR – Vice President Joe Biden called on Delaware County residents to support the Democratic candidate in the 7th Congressional District race, saying Bryan Lentz would fight for the middle class.

“I’m honored and grateful to be joined by a great champion of the middle class,” said Lentz, a two-term state representative, while standing on a stage at the township-owned Sulpizio Gym in Radnor next to Biden.

Biden urged voters to support Lentz because he will fight for the middle class.

“The middle class is hurting – it’s hurting badly,” said Biden.

Lentz said that as a former prosecutor and U.S. Army Airborne ranger, he learned the importance of showing up. He then criticized his Republican opponent, Patrick Meehan, a former U.S. attorney and Delaware County district attorney, for backing out of debate a few weeks ago. Meehan refused to attend that debate because Independent conservative candidate Jim Schneller was invited.

“I’ve shown up,” said Lentz. “I can’t say the same for my opponent. … I know what’s on your mind.”

Biden said the failed policies of the Bush administration caused the economic crisis.

“The press thinks people are angry and they’re angry at (the Democrats),” Biden said.

Instead, Biden said, people are angry as a result of the “bankrupt policies” of the Bush Administration.

“They have every reason to be angry,” said Biden. “I’m angry.” 

Biden described Lentz as a man with impeccable integrity. “Public service runs in his blood,” Biden said.

            Before Biden took the stage, several Democratic officials said they supported Lentz and criticized Meehan.

            “I’d vote for Bryan even if I was running against him,” said state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-17, of Upper Merion.

Shortly after the rally, the Meehan campaign released a statement. The campaign said Lentz “could use the help” after he recently admitted that his volunteers helped Schneller get on the ballot.

            “Its no surprise that Joe Biden would drop in for Bryan Lentz in the final days of this campaign since Lentz has indicated he would be a rubber stamp for the liberal agenda in Washington,” said Bryan Kendro, a campaign manager for Meehan. “Lentz has yet to say one policy issue where he disagrees with Nancy Pelosi and national Democrats, and has remarkably only said that Congress didn’t yield to their agenda.”