By Bill O'Boyle

boboyle@civitasmedia.com

WILKES-BARRE - Republican U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta and Democrat Matt Cartwright easily won re-election in their respective congressional districts Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-Lycoming Township, also cruised to victory in the 10th Congressional District to win his third term.

Barletta, R-Hazleton, had to celebrate his victory in a hospital bed, having had a medical procedure done at Hershey Medical Center on Monday evening.

Barletta's office released the following statement, attributable to Communications Director Tim Murtaugh:

"Following a scheduled test, Congressman Barletta was advised by his doctor that he had developed a plaque buildup in his right carotid artery. Doctors admitted Rep. Barletta immediately and he underwent a procedure to clear the blockage Monday night. He is resting comfortably and plans to be released tomorrow. He will not be participating in any Election Day activities. This will not interfere with the duties of his office."

Unofficial results

Barletta won over Democrat Andy Ostrowski, garnering 71,936 votes to 37,884 for Ostrowski in the 11th Congressional District, according to unofficial results as of press time.

In the 17th Congressional District race, Cartwright, D-Moosic, handily defeated Dr. David Moylan, a Republican from Schuylkill County, by a tally of 60,578 to 40,332, according to unofficial results as of press time.

Barletta won his third term in Congress, while Cartwright will serve his second term.

Campaign issues

Barletta, 58, of Hazleton, said in his "two short terms" in Congress he has reduced the interest loan rate for victims of the 2011 flooding; exempted volunteer fire departments from the insurance requirements that were originally part of the Affordable Care Act; and eliminated millions of dollars in federal spending for buildings by consolidating and selling off excess property.

Barletta said he has not only cross ed the aisle to get legislation through the GOP-controlled House, he has also voted against his party leadership, resulting in meetings with Republican leadership.

Looking at a third term, Barletta said jobs and the economy remain at the top of his priority list, along with national security, which mean guarding U.S. borders.

Barletta said over-regulation prevents businesses from hiring people. He continues to have concerns about health care and the Affordable Care Act, getting the economy moving upward, and tax system reform.

Ostrowski, 49, of Susquehanna Township, said jobs are needed in the 11th District and his jobs plan would include expanding the coal industry. He said the region needs infrastructure jobs and a jobs bill to rebuild roads and bridges.

17th District race

Cartwright, 53, of Moosic, said the region has suffered from "chronic unemployment" for too long, and he intends to reverse that trend in his second 2-year term.

He not ed unemployment in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region is always 10 percent higher than the rest of Pennsylvania and his campaigning centered on a goal of bringing more federal dollars back to his district.

In 2013, Cartwright said some $44.8 million was received in grant funding for the 17th Congressional District and as of the end of August 2014, he had secured $62.5 million in grants.

Moylan, 63, of Auburn, Schuylkill County, wanted to abolish the Internal Revenue Service, reform health care, increase border security, protect and enhance human life, safeguard the Second Amendment of the Constitution.