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TUCSON - One of the most spirited races for Congress is taking place in District 3. Incumbent Raul Grijalva and Gabriela Saucedo Mercer have been on the attack since before the primary. There is also a 3rd candidate in the battle, determined to have her voice heard as well.

Democrat Raul Grijalva has served 5 terms in Congress starting in 2003. Before that he was a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors from 1989-2002.

Republican Gabriela Suaucedo Mercer is making her first run for elected office. She has served as a precinct committeeman for the last two years.

And Libertarian Blanca Guerra is also running for the first time. She is a self-employed paralegal.

The race has been marked by sniping and personal attacks, especially between the Democratic and Republican candidates.

Gabriela Saucedo Mercer:

"When Grijalva says my people...my people are law abiding citizens, I don't care about the color of their skin, I don't care where they came from. If you are a law abiding citizen I will represent you period."

Raul Grijalva:

"If i disagree with her I'm unpatriotic, a marxist and I don't care about America."

Mud slinging aside all three candidates hat issues are at the top of the list for all 3 candidates?

Raul Grijalva:

"Investment, the role of government in the future, as a partner, not as an overseer, the third area we're going to specify is education."

Gabriela Saucedo Mercer:
"Jobs and the economy."

Blanca Guerra:

"Jobs."

While all three candidates agree jobs are a priority, each has a different approach to creating more in Arizona.

Gabriela Saucedo Mercer:

"I would be an ambassador, I would go to other states and advocate for jobs to come to Arizona."

Raul Grijalva:

"Tucson has got a nice niche. the tech area and the bio-tech area, i think fueling that and expanding that is the best way to secure some long term good paying jobs,not just jobs."

Blanca Guerra:
"Instead of quashing job opportunities i would try to resolve the issues that trouble our regulatory offices."

And when it comes to voters, each candidate believes the right choice is clear.

Raul Grijalva:

"Once you make the comparison to the shrillness of my opponent, and the fear mongering of my opponent and myself, I think it will be pretty easy to make the choice."

Gabriela Saucedo Mercer:

"I am running for congress because the people of district 3 are not being represented the way they are supposed to be represented."

Blanca Guerra:

"We are a nation with a government that is built for the people not the RNC or the DNC."

The newly drawn District 3 covers most of the lower portion of Arizona along Mexico's border and includes four counties. The district has over 800,000 residents.