ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Albany Law School student organizations hosted a 21st Congressional district forum, where Democratic candidate Paul Tonko and Republican candidate Jim Buhrmaster discussed issues ranging from energy, same-sex marriage, budget concerns and the madness on Wall Street.

Both candidates said they have what it takes to make a difference in Congress.

Tonko said, "I think analytical, I act analytical and I'm a problem solver by profession and I like solving problems and my whole track record through my career has been to make a difference by being constructive in my approach and not find a fault in government, but turning it into a challenge with a constructive outcome."

Buhrmaster said, "He's never been in the private sector. He's never had to make a payroll. He's never had to deal with a budget, worker’s compensation, Social Security, social services. He is also not a parent and I'm a parent. I have children and grandchildren so I understand what it is to make ends meet day in and day out, so when it comes to experience, I have real world experience, family experience, business experience. No, I don't have the political experience, but I've worked in the political arena and I know what I have to do to get the job done."

Tonko and Buhrmaster are vying for Democrat Mike McNulty seat. McNulty announced earlier this year that he would be retiring to spend more time with his family.