U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright, who represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District in Washington, D.C., is from Lackawanna County.

He has a bachelor of arts in history from Hamilton College, and a juris doctorate in law from the University of Pennsylvania.Matt Connolly, from Northampton County, is a graduate of Walt Whitman High School. He studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Maryland and Lafayette College.He is active in the community, a small-business man who has been affected by government overreach. A Northampton County committeeman, he ran for this office in 2014 and won five of six counties.We asked the candidates: What do you feel is the area’s biggest problem and how would you solve it if elected?Connolly: The area’s biggest problem is the lack of economic opportunity. Obamacare has eliminated many full time jobs and prevented the hiring of new employees. The second is the Dodd-Frank bill that makes it very difficult for anyone to borrow money without near perfect credit. Those two things have stalled the economy and prevented the growth of industry. We need to repeal both and allow the free market to allow people and businesses to thrive. I believe (as did the founding fathers) that the best government is state and local, and there is too much federal intrusion. When people are able to pursue their goals and see a path to success without burdensome taxes and regulations, there will be an expansion like there was in the 1980s. I bring a long business history with everyday interaction with the government which has allowed me to see how badly the system needs to be changed.Cartwright: "When I first ran for Congress, I promised to work across party lines, and stand up for working families.  That’s exactly what I've done.  I have worked hard to earn a reputation as an effective leader.  Culminating in being elected to the powerful House Appropriations Committee, this year.  I support expanding and strengthening the Social Security and Medicare systems, will work to bring good paying jobs to northeastern Pennsylvania and will remain an ardent supporter of American veterans.  It's been an honor to serve the people of northeastern Pennsylvania, and I humbly ask for their vote."