OXON Hill-Activist and congressional nominee Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington) told PolitickerMD.com today that the housing and mortgage crisis would be her immediate top priority if she is elected today to represent the people of Maryland's 4th Congressional District.

Edwards, who is expected to easily win the special election, said her potential constituents "deserve someone who will be fighting for them everyday," saying she was ready to get to work "right away."

Speaking with PolitickerMD.com as she greeted voters at various polling locations throughout Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, Edwards said the Congress needs to "send a bill to the president dealing with the housing and mortgage crisis."

On other issues, Edwards referred to the high cost of food and gas, saying, "We need to have serious investments in energy alternatives."

If elected today, Edwards will still have to run for re-election in November.

Saying she would look to "hit the ground running," Edwards also said she would use the interim period to "build offices and services" to ensure the "best possible" staff.

Edwards also reaffirmed her support for cutting funding for the war in Iraq, while also pledging her support for the troops.

She called the two stances "completely separate," saying she was not concerned about attacks that may proceed due to her position.

"I come from a military family," Edwards, whose father and brother served in the U.S. Air Force, said.

"I'm a patriot, through and through," she added.

The congressional hopeful also defended the inability of the Democratic Congress to bring an end to the war in Iraq, saying, "You need to have a different occupant in the White House."

Edwards also said she expected Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) would win the presidential election and that the war in Iraq would come to a conclusion soon after his inauguration.

In addition, Edwards said she was "humbled" by the experience of running for Congress, adding, "It's clear voters want me to get to work."