Each candidate will be out knocking on doors in a tough battle for the 22nd state House District, and the conversation will be about economic development, jobs and education.

Ohio Democrats see the district, which stretches from the Clintonville neighborhoods of Columbus northwest to Dublin, as competitive with the incumbent, state Rep. Jim Hughes (R-Clintonville), being forced out by term limits.

Hughes narrowly defeated Democratic candidate John Carney by six points in 2006, and Carney, a health care attorney, is running again in 2008. He has raised twice as much money as his last bid, and spent twice as much time campaigning. Carney said he received a call from Treasurer Richard Cordray several weeks after the last election to recruit him to seek the seat for a second time.

Carney is running against City Councilman Michael Keenan (R-Dublin). Keenan is president of the Sheehan Hutchison Keenan Agency, an insurance agency located in Dublin. He was elected to council in 2003 and re-elected in 2007.

Both candidates said some of the important issues they'll be talking about include economic development, jobs and education, and both candidates intend on knocking on doors to reach voters.

"I think if you're going to represent people you have to get out and meet them," Carney said. "I will knock and knock and knock until I can't knock anymore."

Keenan said he believes a representative has a duty to build a connection with constituents.

"When I knock on doors, I am looking to talk with residents about the issues that are important to them and to establish a relationship," he said.

Carney has been building a fundraising base this time around and has held two fundraisers with Gov. Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon) so far. He said last time he was outspent $650,000 to $100,000.

Carney has taken a particular interest in both health care and education throughout his career and organized the Computer Outreach Program in the Columbus Public Schools. The program provides free computer training to members of the Columbus community. Carney said he's interested in adult education as well as children's education.

"The hope is to start using public schools as centers of activity, not only for young people but also adults in the community," he said.

Meanwhile, Keenan has been holding fundraisers as well, including one with U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-Columbus), and focuses on economic development. He said investments in technology and providing employment opportunities has allowed the creation and retention of jobs throughout the district.

Keenan also said that with his role as chair of the finance committee on Council he has been deeply involved in the budgetary process, including allocation of resources for capital improvement projects. "One area of focus has been working for orderly development in and around our city to ensure a high quality of life for both our residents and our corporate citizens," he said.