ROGERS -- Rep. Jana Della Rosa, R-Rogers, faces her first Democratic opponent in her bid for a third term in state House District 90, political newcomer Kati McFarland of Bethel Heights.
If re-elected, Della Rosa said she will continue her efforts to change campaign finance laws. She sponsored and supported legislation to require lawmakers to file electronic campaign finance reports, which are more readily accessible to the public than paper forms. She said she wants to explore ways to make the money trails leading to and from political advocacy groups easier to follow.
Della Rosa said she prioritizes greater transparency over trying to impose limits on political spending.
"I don't think there's even a way to stop the money," she said. "The counter to it is transparency. I'm a big believer in balance of power, and I think competing interests tend to balance each other."
If transparency shows one group is spending, other groups will meet it, she said.
McFarland did not respond to interview requests. She made news nationwide on Feb. 22, 2017, when she questioned U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., at a forum in Springdale during GOP efforts to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. McFarland said she has a rare, genetic medical condition that often requires her to use a wheelchair.
"Without the coverage for pre-existing conditions, I will die. That's not hyperbole," she told Cotton at the forum.
Since then, McFarland has participated in activities such as protests in the Indivisible movement, which resists many of the policies of President Donald Trump.
Repeated attempts to contact McFarland by telephone, Facebook messenger and text were not returned. Efforts to reach her for this story began Sept. 14.
Della Rosa cited her experience, not just in the Legislature but as a trained engineer and as a parent, as her chief qualifications compared to McFarland.
More and better highways along with other transportation-related spending is the most obvious need for the growing district, Della Rosa said. Workforce education to improve skills does not get as much attention, she said, but the need there is great. She also supports having social workers in schools, saying many students face problems at home that disadvantage them in class.
Della Rosa narrowly prevailed in her GOP primary, winning by three votes. The final count, after two recounts, was 1,069 votes for Della Rosa and 1,066 for rival and political newcomer Kendon Underwood of Cave Springs.
"I don't take any race for granted," Della Rosa said when asked about McFarland. "My biggest concern is that my supporters show up and vote."
District 90 includes portions of Rogers, Lowell, northern Springdale, southeastern Cave Springs and a section of northern Elm Springs. Early voting begins Oct. 22. Election day is Nov. 6.
State House members serve two-year terms and have an annual salary of $39,400.
State Desk on 10/14/2018