VESTAL, NY (WSKG) - The Democrat in Tuesday's special election in Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district hopes to have better luck this time around.
Marc Friedenberg was the party’s nominee last November, when he lost by more than 30 points to former Congressman Tom Marino. Marino resigned in January, first citing a private-sector job and then health issues.
Democrats are outnumbered in the district by more than 100 thousand voters, but Friedenberg's not concerned with party politics. “Whether you’re registered Democrat, Republican or any other party or no party at all you can vote in this race," he said. "And I think it’s going to be our opportunity to put a spotlight on the issues”
Friedenberg believes the special election allowed him to gather more resources and reach more voters. That includes expanding health care coverage and protecting social security.
On the other side, Republican Fred Keller stands by President Trump and believes voters will too. He credits Trump for the state's dropping unemployment level, which dipped below four percent last month.
“What’s important to the people of the 12th congressional district is policies that will help people and their families have family-sustaining jobs with wage growth," said Keller. "They want to make sure their veterans are taken care of. They want to make sure that we define our government rather than it defining us,” he continued.
Trump campaigned for Keller in the Montoursville on Monday.
Polls Tuesday are open from 7 A.M. until 8 P.M. If you’re in line when the polls close, you are allowed to vote.