CAPITAL REGION -- Democratic Representative Kirsten Gillibrand beat Republican John Sweeney, the scandal ridden incumbent, during the 2006 election. Now she's gearing up for what could be another tough race this November, hoping her work over the past two years in Congress speaks for itself.
"I think I'll be assessed on how well I've done. You know, have I done things that I said I'd do. So far I think I have and my office has worked very hard to meet the needs of our constituents," said Gillibrand.
All of the candidates vying for the 20th Congressional District seat are facing major issues this election year. Our Erin Billups caught up with three of the four running this November and all of them say they're the man or woman for the job.
From grassroots constituent outreach, signing yes to a bill to end the war in Iraq, to fighting for the issues she believes voters care about. That includes legislation that would invest $16 billion into alternative energy research and production of cellulosic ethanol, biofuels, wind and solar power.
Although energy and the war are still issues left unresolved, Gillibrand says she's got concrete evidence of her work right here in her district - to the tune of $40 million (in federal funding).
"What it does is allow the local elected leaders to lower property taxes because, if you cannot get federal investment in something like a sewer system, or a road or a bridge, it usually comes out of local taxes," said Gillibrand.
While the money is going to legitimate causes - $20 million of the funds Gillibrand secured for the district came through earmarks -there is a major bone of contention for the man seen as Gillibrand's chief opponent, Republican Sandy Treadwell. He says Gillibrand just perpetuates Washington's culture of spending and waste.
"The system is broken in Washington," said Treadwell. "There needs to be a one year moratorium, I believe, and I would have voted for that to study this problem and to see how it can be corrected."
The independently wealthy Treadwell, lives in Lake Placid. He's the former State Republican Party Chair, and was Secretary of State under Governor George Pataki. He says Congress has failed on many fronts including the energy crisis, saying Gillibrand has done little to help.
"People are worried about it, and mad about it, and the problem is we have no comprehensive federal plan to get independence from foreign oil," said Treadwell.
Treadwell says the country has to transition to alternative energies, increase domestic production of oil and invest in nuclear and clean coal power. His is a plan similar to Republican Michael Rocque's, an underdog in this congressional race.
What sets the retired military lieutenant colonel apart from Treadwell and Gillibrand, he says, is his 20 years of experience in Washington and his recent career as a businessman.
"I've been in the White House Situation Room. I've spent time in the halls of Congress. I've briefed congressmen, senators, ambassadors. We need people with Washington experience, extensive Washington experience to go do that job on day one," said Rocque.
But, with all that, Rocque says he's not a politician. He faces the job with what he calls realistic goals, criticizing his opponent, saying Treadwell is being unrealistic in his goal of tackling the institutionalized problem of pork-barrel spending, as a Washington newcomer.
"A freshman congressman is not going to go in and change the complexion of Congress and you're just pandering to people by saying that," said Rocque. "The whole earmark argument is a bit of a phony argument, quite frankly."
Rocque says he would only agree to getting rid of earmarks if there was a corresponding cut in federal spending.
Right now Rocque, who's supported largely by the conservative party in the district, says he's confident he'll fair well against Treadwell in the primaries, but he concedes his war chest isn't as deep as either of his major opponents.
"Whether we like it or not this is still about big bucks. I mean, that's probably the biggest reason I've been marginalized is ability to fundraise," said Rocque.
But in the end, as the incumbent says, it's up to the voter.
"They see through rhetoric and campaign tactics," said Gillibrand. "They look straight to 'is this person doing what they're supposed to be doing? Are they representing my family well?'"
Rocque and Treadwell will face off in the primaries on September 9th. A third Republican candidate, retired State Trooper John Wallace, will also be on the ballot. Wallace plans to run without support from any special interest groups and says his campaign will pick up speed in the coming weeks.