Pete Visclosky (left) Joel Phelps (right)

A political newcomer is attempting to unseat a veteran lawmaker in the 1st congressional district.

Republican Joel Phelps, 35, has put jobs and the economy as his top priorities during his campaign against Democrat Pete Visclosky. The industrial engineer says a balanced budget must be the priority of the 113th Congress as a matter of national security.

If elected, Phelps says he will also work to make Northwest Indiana the center of air and mobile transportation distribution. Phelps says the 1st District needs someone like himself with a stake in Northwest Indiana and a new vision instead of a career politician.

"I feel that with Pete Visclosky people mistake activity for achievement. I think it's time we set our sights a little higher" said Phelps.

Visclosky, 63, is seeking a 15th term in Congress. He was unopposed in the May Democratic primary and some political insiders told Phelps a campaign against Visclosky would be pointless. Phelps disagrees and says his campaign has gone incredibly well and they have managed to speak to thousands of voters in the district.

Visclosky's re-election campaign is running on his experience and dedication to Indiana and northwest Indiana region with jobs and economic opportunities. The lawmaker has also said the key issues in this race have been his continued support of military personnel, jobs and economic recovery.