One of the most closely watched and expensive races in next week\u2019s Pennsylvania primary is the Republican contest for the 46th State Senate District.<\/p>\n
Channel 11 sat down with both candidates, three-term incumbent Senator Camera Bartolotta and Greene County businessman and school board member Al Buchtan, as outside groups continue flooding voters with attack ads and campaign mailers.<\/p>\n
Bartolotta, who was first elected in 2014, described herself as a Republican who has been successful in a historically Democratic area.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m the first woman ever elected to this seat,\u201d Bartolotta said. \u201cI was a Republican elected in a very Democratic area in 2014 before this red wave came along.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about the biggest challenges facing taxpayers, both candidates pointed to the economy, but offered different solutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest challenge is the taxes. Cost of living is extremely too high,\u201d Buchtan said. \u201cWe need to do some school consolidation. We have 500 school districts in the state, which is too many.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bartolotta focused on economic development.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to be more business-friendly,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to attract more capital investment into Pennsylvania. That brings good-paying jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Much of the race has also centered on questions surrounding Buchtan\u2019s residency.<\/p>\n
A judge ordered Buchtan to update his candidate paperwork to list Greene County as his primary residence, a decision later upheld on appeal. The case focused on whether a Canonsburg townhouse was a true residence or simply a campaign headquarters.<\/p>\n
\u201cLegally, you could live in Washington or Greene County to run for this office,\u201d Cara Sapida asked Buchtan. \u201cWhy not just live in your home in Greene?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I said on the stand, I love it here,\u201d Buchtan responded.<\/p>\n
Buchtan defended his residency claims, saying he met the legal requirements to establish residence in Washington County.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did apply here legally. I got my driver\u2019s license, insurance, everything the law says I have to have to be a resident,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bartolotta sharply criticized the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo try and hornswoggle the voters into believing he lives in Washington County was extremely insulting,\u201d Bartolotta said. \u201cPeople say, \u2018Well, it\u2019s part of the district anyway.\u2019 Exactly. Why did he have to fib about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buchtan said he and his wife are looking to buy a home in Washington County and admitted the townhouse was rented for political reasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was for political reasons. I want to be in the heart of the district,\u201d Buchtan said. \u201cFor me to be in Greene County and drive to Beaver, that\u2019s two hours back and forth. That cuts down on what I can actually do for people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The candidates also addressed campaign spending and outside influence in the race.<\/p>\n
Bartolotta said outside groups connected to the skill game industry are fighting to keep skill games untaxed and unregulated, something some local leaders warn could hurt local businesses and drive up taxes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have been pumping millions of dollars into primary races in Pennsylvania against Republican incumbent state senators who could or might tax or regulate skill games,\u201d Bartolotta said.<\/p>\n
Buchtan responded to questions about outside support tied to his campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout who\u2019s donating to my campaign, that goes to a committee that I\u2019m not part of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bartolotta also defended her bipartisan approach to governing and highlighted legislation she says she has successfully passed while working with a Democratic governor.<\/p>\n
She said she has sponsored bills signed into law to support victims of domestic violence and to expand workers\u2019 compensation benefits for first responders experiencing job-related post-traumatic stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll these mailers saying I married Bill DeWeese. I can\u2019t count how many couples I met knocking on doors where one is a Democrat and one is a Republican,\u201d Bartolotta said. \u201cI think it\u2019s incredibly insulting to say you can\u2019t cooperate with the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania\u2019s primary election is Tuesday.<\/p>\n
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