Ohio's meandering 13th Congressional district includes six population centers across three counties, from Lorain to Akron, and includes Brunswick, Elyria, the edge of SW Cuyahoga County, and parts of Cuyahoga Falls. It is strongly Democratic but political newcomer David Potter of Strongsville is a Republican so intent about his candidacy that he quit his job to campaign full time. He says both parties in Washington are failing Americans, by not looking out for the average person.
Potter is challenging incumbent Betty Sutton, a Summit County native (Barberton) who won her seat two years ago - and was subsequently elected President of the Congressional Freshman Class.
At the City Club podium, there were similarities in some of their stances, but marked differences too. One stark contrast is their positions on health care access.
BETTY SUTTON: "I believe that we do need to have a system that allows access to health care for every man woman and child in this country."
DAVID POTTER: "We cannot provide health care for every single individual, for every possible modality of treatment. Unfortunately in this republic, there are some people that are going to be left behind."
The candidates also differed on energy polices.
Both favor alternative fuels, but Potter wants to drill for oil in America.
Potter felt the minimum wage increase hurt businesses.
Sutton voted for it in Congress.
Sutton is expected to retain her seat, but Potter is not without supporters. One is conservative blogger Ben Keeler, who acknowledges Potter is swimming against a strong current.
BEN KEELER:"The problem is it's just a tough uphill battle. For the limited money he has had, and with all the obstacles in his way, he's done a fairly decent job - it's just one of those things where everything has to break exactly right for him."
Sutton and Potter will share their views on the Wednesday morning edition of 90.3's the Sound of Ideas as part of candidates' forum series.
