COLONIE, N.Y. -- "Think of it," said Rep. Mike McNulty of the 21st Congressional District. "An average guy like me who does not possess personal wealth, who comes from a town of 2,500 people, getting to go to the United States Congress at all, let alone 20 years."

For 20 years, Rep. Mike McNulty has flown back and forth to Congress.

Democratic nominee Paul Tonko said, "We can see the goal in sight."

"I'm really the people's candidate," said Republican nominee Jim Buhrmaster.

January 3rd, McNulty won't have to travel any longer, as Democrat and former state Assemblyman Paul Tonko or Republican Schenectady County legislator Jim Buhrmaster will replace him by winning in November. McNulty is campaigning for Tonko, but dismisses concerns that Tonko's strength in the western part of the district could mean Albany somehow gets neglected.

"I come from the eastern part of the district," said McNulty, "and if you ask the people from Montgomery, Schoharie, and Fulton and Schenectady counties, they'll tell you the time I've spent in the district."

And McNulty says his successor has to stay focused on economic issues.

He said, "Helping our local hospitals for example. Most of us think about the tremendous medical care they provide. Most don't think about the jobs they provide. If you take the top two medical centers, Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Hospital,10,000 employees."

McNulty said whoever wins should be ready to travel the 320 miles it takes to get from Albany to DC, then the 320 miles it takes to get from DC to Albany, which of course can take its toll.

McNulty said, "I'm not going to miss the job per se. I've done it for a long time -- 20 years in Congress, 39 years overall. I'm ready for a change in that regard. I will not miss the challenge back and forth every weekend. That's the part I like the least. I'll be home a lot more."

He's turned down several job offers in DC and is still focused on an upcoming defense bill, among others.

Buhrmaster said, "Washington is broken. It's been broken for a long time. And it's both parties -- Republican and Democrat."

Tonko said, "Let's travel in those final steps of a journey, united."

But he is ready for that November election to send someone other than himself to Congress, for the first time in two decades.