State Sen. Camera Bartolotta and independent challenger Jodi Borello are offering voters different approaches to some of the region’s biggest issues in a race that could have implications for the balance of power in Pennsylvania’s state Senate.
Bartolotta, a Republican seeking re-election, points to her legislative record and support for energy production. Borello is running as an independent, saying she wants to give voters an alternative to the two major parties and bring stronger industry oversight and greater attention to local communities to Harrisburg.
When asked what two priorities they would focus on if elected or re-elected, the candidates outlined different goals.
Bartolotta said she wants to advance Senate Bill 25, legislation that would give nurse practitioners full practice authority, allowing them to provide care without certain physician oversight requirements.
“I’ve been trying to get it through for years and years,” Bartolotta said. She argued that nurse practitioners could help address gaps in health care access, particularly in underserved areas.
“They can do the job and fill in the gaps where we really need good-quality health care in health care deserts,” she said.
Bartolotta also identified child care as a priority, saying workers need access to quality care for their children so they can go to work.
Borello said her first priority would be bringing the concerns of local communities to Harrisburg, particularly regarding data center development.
“People don’t want them 50 feet from their homes, and that is one of the things I’m going to work on first,” Borello said.
She also said she wants to focus on creating what she called healthy, life-sustaining jobs and addressing economic challenges facing working families.
Borello said she supports an increase in the minimum wage.
The race has drawn attention in part because of its potential implications for the balance of power in the state Senate.
The only publicly released poll cited in the race showed Bartolotta and Borello tied at 43% each after undecided voters were asked which candidate they were leaning toward.
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