Congressman Christopher Carney (D-Dimock) will not be casting his superdelegate vote at the Democratic National Convention in Denver this week in person.

Instead, he will cast his vote, via proxy, for Sen. Hillary Clinton, whose name has been added for nomination in the first round of voting.
In the April 22 Democratic Primary, Clinton received over 70 percent of the party’s vote in the 10th District.

At the time, and he reportedly has not waivered, Carney said he would lend his superdelegate clout and vote to the candiate that carried the 10th congressional district.
Instead of attending the week-long political event, the U.S. Naval Reserve Commander (select) has reported for active duty at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

“Wearing the uniform is a duty I take very seriously,” said Carney. “If you make a commitment to the military like I have, then you are expected to fulfill that commitment.”

While Carney is on active duty, he’s facing not-so-friendly fire from the both the political right and the left.

An Aug. 18 Wall Street Journal article reported the Blue America PACT, is actively campaigning against Carney in this year’s election with advertisements on radio and television and in newspapers.

The group supported Carney in his 2006 run for congress but has pulled support in this election due to Carney’s backing of the FISA bill.

Activists on the left against Carney are also angered with his membership in a coalition of socially and fiscally conservative House Democrats called the Blue Dogs. The Blue Dogs make up a key voting block, nearly 50 members strong, in the Democratic Party and are largely regarded as casting pivotal votes in congress.

Carney’s challenger, businessman Chris Hackett (R-Kingston) has hit the airwaves with new political ads focusing on his plan to cut government earmark spending.

The two opponents have been at odds over earmark spending even before the primary election season ended. In 2007, Carney secured over $15 million in earmark project dollars for the district.

Hackett has said the overall earmark process leads to corruption.
On Aug. 20, CQ Politics reported the 10th District race is considered extremely competitive. Noted Republicans have been in the district stumping for Hackett.

While Carney is unable to attend his party’s convention, Hackett has been invited to speak at the Republican Convention.
Hackett will be given two minutes of on-stage speaking time the first day of the convention. It is reported Hackett will speak at about 4 p.m. central time - 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time - on Sept. 1.

As of now, Carney and Hackett have one debate scheduled which will be held on Oct. 30 at WVIA-TV.