BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Things got downright cordial Friday evening when Democratic incumbent Lisa Boscola and Republican challenger Scott Janney met in the only debate for Pennsylvania's 18th Senate District.
The candidates tangled over education funding, their differing plans to lower gas prices and the state's vote-by-mail system.
But in a season where political attack ads and personal snipes have dominated the airwaves, the exchanges between the two candidates was peppered with friendly banter and occasional laughter. The two disagreed frequently and at times vehemently, but they were aligned on matters such as encouraging vaccines, development opportunities for the Slate Belt and the importance of making housing more affordable.
The district represents much of Northampton County, including the Slate Belt, Nazareth and the Easton area. It also includes all of Bethlehem, including the portion in Lehigh County. Voter registration in the district favors Democrats; Boscola has represented the area for 28 years.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Today is the last day to register to vote. Some citizens have already cast their ballots through on-demand voting or mail-in voting. The deadline to request a ballot through the mail or over the counter is Tuesday, Oct. 27.