Louisiana's 5th congressional district covers most of the northeastern and central portions of the state. Two of the major cities in this district are Monroe and Alexandria. This district stretches as far south as Iberville Parish in southern Louisiana.

Since 2002, the district has been represented by Rodney Alexander of Bienville. He won that race as a Democrat over Republican Lee Fletcher by a narrow margin (50.28% to 49.72%). Alexander then switched parties for the 2004 election and has won every race since then as a Republican.

Congressman Alexander is being challenged in the 2012 election by two people, Libertarian Clay Grant of Boyce and Independent Ron Ceasar of Opelousas.

Congressman Rodney Alexander

When we asked him "What’s the issue that means the most to you pertaining to your district?," he responded by talking about small businesses, the 'Mom and Pops' in our economy, and how they are threatened by tax increases and 'an ever-stretching bureaucratic arm.'

We must get government out of the way and allow these businesses to thrive. This can be accomplished by reducing taxes, simplifying the tax code, providing easier access to capital and eliminating burdensome government red tape.

Alexander went on to mention that Louisiana's 5th Congressional District is the second largest exporter to China, which brought in $3.1 billion to our economy last year, and that "I believe we need to open more international markets to free and fair trade with the U.S."

Alexander then concluded by saying that our nation must become energy independent, citing our resources here closer to home like the Haynesville Shale and the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale.

We have enormous offshore drilling capabilities. By developing and utilizing our true potential, the economic benefit and job creation opportunities would be endless.

When we asked Alexander "Why are you a better candidate than your challengers?," he didn't attack his two challengers. He instead talked about his passion for public service coming from his 'very humble beginning built upon life lessons taught by my parents.' But he also looked ahead to future generations:

I am running for Congress again...to put us on the road to sustainable economic growth, one that is hallmarked by opportunity and prosperity for hard-working Americans. Most of all, I want to better this world for future generations, including my seven grandchildren, and not saddle them with the unprecedented debt of this generation.

Clay Grant

When we asked him "What's the issue that means the most to you pertaining to your district?," he mentioned one word: jobs.

We need to fight to bring new jobs to the area, and promote a workforce with new options to obtain a viable skill. Lets look at how we can revitalize our vocational and training schools, so more people can better equip themselves with the skills needed to fulfill those jobs. We must focus on reigning in the governments out of control spending and un-Constitutional mandates that place a stonghold on economic development.

When we asked Grant "Why are you a better candidate than your challengers?," he took a different approach than the incumbent did by showing his displeasure for the current leadership.

Our current leadership has become complacent. We do not need a representative who goes along with the status quo, we need a representative who will visably fight for the rights of the individual, and promote leadership in Congress. We need an active Congressman who will implement a bill to help balance the budget, work with members of Congress to reduce national debt, reduce federal spending, and implement a fair tax or flat tax.

Grant went on to say that he "would focus more on a Constitutional approach to the needs of our District, State and Federal Government."

We need someone who will take a stand against the Transportation Security Administration, Homeland Security, and other federal agencies that are violating the rights of each American citizen. It is our duty to protect the rights of the individual, but not by imposing laws that infringe on those rights.

Ron Caesar

Attempts to reach Ron Caesar in response to our two questions have been unsuccessful.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL