The race is on: Buhrmaster, Tonko gear up to take 21st Congressional seat

The cheers, chants and victory speeches mark a hard fought primary for the 21st Congressional seat but the sounds of those celebrations have quieted now as Democratic Nominee, Paul Tonko and Republican Nominee, Jim Buhrmaster gear up to face off.

Tonko said: "I think we all bring a different experience to the table, no matter what elections there might be or negotiations and my walk in life has been to produce change in the halls of Government."

Buhrmaster said "I'm excited about it. It has been a democratic district for 50 years, but people want a change."

Both candidates see energy as a key issue in this campaign, but despite that similarity, Buhrmaster, the CEO of a local energy group says they are very different.

"I've dealt with it for 40 years, with our customers and communities and all our folks in the area and he has pretty much been at the state level passing down regulations or getting rid of regulations that have in the past caused us problems." Tonko added: "We need policy to govern us. That is the problem we have had with Washington . I believe without a comprehensive energy plan, we don't know which direction we're going in."

But for now the direction of both candidates is forward working to get their message out and votes in their favor come November 4th.

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To find out more about Jim Buhrmaster visit his biography and two minute message from the candidates.

To find out more about Paul Tonko visit his biography and two minute message from the candidates.

What questions do you have for the candidates?  What would you like to see accomplished in Washington?  Leave your questions below and we'll present them to the candidates next week.