ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Two years ago, Mark Assini came closer than anyone expected against long-time Rep. Louise Slaughter, leading up to a rematch in New York's 25th Congressional District.
Term limits is a trendy topic for elections at all levels this year, but don't expect Slaughter, who's been in the U.S. House of Representatives since the late 80s, to make any apologies.
"We talk about term limits. My term is limited every two years and then the people pass their judgment on my work. I consider that term limits," said Slaughter, D-Fairport.
Now 87, Slaughter says she still works 12-hour days because she believes she can still help people.
"The ability to do things that affect people's lives for the better. It sometimes grinds slowly but it certainly makes a big impact and I'm just delighted to be a part of it."
Assini, the Gates Town Supervisor, believes Slaughter has lost touch with her constituents. He says over the last two years, he's personally spoken with tens of thousands of people.
"Being the candidate and meeting people one-on-one and having surrogates or people from a political party or people coming in from Washington to walk on your behalf is not the same. There's no better way to campaign than to meet people one-on-one," said Assini, R-Gates.
Assini says the major issues facing the district are the deteriorating roads and bridges and job loss. He says he wants to actively renegotiate trade deals.
"The biggest concern people have are about jobs and the future of their children, whether their children are going to stay here or leave to find work elsewhere or whether they're going to be able to get to retirement before they are laid off."
Slaughter says she's fought for jobs and has repeatedly brought federal dollars to the area for infrastructure projects, but she also noted she's focusing on issues like education for homeless children, people becoming resistant to antibiotics and cancer research; issues that don't appear to be on Assini's radar.
"We work in different governments to start with and there were times when I'm not sure Mark really understands how the federal government works," Slaughter said.
Slaughter's campaign has also been very critical of past remarks Assini's made about gay marriage, transgender individuals and immigration. Assini says his views have evolved and believes his opponent is trying to distract from the real issues.
"This has become a race, a referendum on the personality of Mark Assini and that's what happens with Washington insiders who've been there too long," Assini said.