UTICA, N.Y.(WKTV) - Congressional candidate Richard Hanna (Republican, Independence, Conservative) today highlighted the fact that the large majority of his opponent's campaign funding comes from interests outside the 24th Congressional District.

This morning, Arcuri hosted a breakfast in Washington, D.C. where they asked $5,000 a plate. According to events listed by Arcuri's fundraising firm, at least two more similar events are planned this month.

"Big money and lobbyists have subverted the will of the majority, and Mr. Arcuri has bragged about the amount of money he's taken from interests outside this district," Hanna said. "Lobbyists and special interests are taking over our rights."

"My opponent accuses me of using my success to buy a seat in Congress, but that's not true," Hanna said. "At any rate, I'd rather be accused of buying a seat than selling it to special interests - as my opponent is busy doing today."

A review of Congressman Michael Arcuri's campaign donations since Jan. 1, 2007 show nearly 85 percent of his contributions are from out-of-district entities, including political action committees, career politicians and special interest groups. Hanna pointed out that Arcuri votes his party line 98 percent of the time, consistently demonstrating that he is anything but an independent voice for our community.

"Mike Arcuri is selling his seat in Congress to people who've probably never stepped foot in our community," Richard Hanna said. "I'm running to change this cycle. Voters are tired of special interests and lobbyists influencing their government."

A spokesperson for Congressman Michael Arcuri's campaign begs to differ with candidate Hanna's assessment. Jordan Karp said, quote, "Unfortunately, Richard Hanna has trouble with the facts. Our campaign has over 1500 contributors from every corner of this district who support Mike's re-election with small contributions, and countless endorsements from local organizations."

"Those contributing to Mike Arcuri's campaign are people who want something in return for their major donations," Richard Hanna said. "Mr. Arcuri votes with his party bosses 98 percent of the time. His record shows he does not work for us."

Hanna discussed the issue in front of the practically vacant former General Electric building on Broad Street, to demonstrate that while Mike Arcuri is raking in the campaign cash and supporting the Washington party bosses no one is standing up for the people of the 24th District. When GE was a major company in the Utica-Rome area, more than 8,500 people worked there. Today there are a few hundred people working in the building.

"Big donors want something in return for their contributions, but who will do something for this building and for our economy?" Hanna asked. "I will represent your views, I will focus on rebuilding the area we love, and I will always make our nation's future matter more than the dollars of big donors."

A spokesperson for Congressman Arcuri's campaign says that one of challenger Hanna's biggest donors....is Hanna himself.

"With fewer than 200 donors to his campaign, out of step politician Richard Hanna has been forced to rely on his own checkbook for any support by writing himself a $324,000 check" says Karp.