“While I’m sensitive to the social issues we are facing, sensitive to needs that we have in terms of receiving quality service from the government, I have the understanding that there are limitations,” he said. “I’m not sitting here saying I’m the smartest guy in the room, but I have a diverse professional background that enables me to see multiple sides of an issue or story that affects our community.”

Meeks said that despite his lopsided victory in the last primary election, he is not taking Marthone’s opposition lightly. “Democracy is a great thing,” he said. “I take everybody seriously.”

After 16 years of serving in the House of Representatives, Meeks said that he’s seeking re-election because “a lot of work has got to be done.”

In his years in the House, Meeks said he’s seen many different conditions in the country and locally. Under Bill Clinton, he served during the best financial times in recent memory. After the housing market crash in 2008, he’s seen the worst recession in decades. “Since 2008, we’ve been battling back and moving in the right direction,” he said. “I want to be there to help this president get the job done.”

Meeks said that from his terms in Washington, he’s learned how people can come together in times of crisis. “I’ve learned that after 16 years, people are resilient,” he said. “When you think about this storm, some people could have given up. People want to work together.”

Marthone said he is running for the seat because he wants to see change in the community, giving the constituents the representation they deserve. Marthone said that Meeks has been an “absent landlord” as a congressman, neglecting the needs of his constituents. “I feel that we’ve reached a point in time that enough is enough,” Marthone said. “I’ve spent time in the community, listening to people and what their concerns are.”

For both candidates, job creation is a major focus of their campaigns. Meeks serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He said that he aims to help small businesses should he be re-elected. “I want to make sure that people can get loans for small business and have that opportunity to create jobs,” he said.