Thompson, who has represented the 28th since 1986, lists taxes, health care, court systems and environmental issues among his priorities.

"I feel that I have experience," Thompson says. "As the incumbent, I've been over the district back and forth."

Potvin, as the lone Republican, has a slightly different stance, emphasizing the reinstatement of capital punishment as one of his top priorities.

"It's time to send a message; it's time to take a stand; it's time to start focusing on the crime issue," Potvin says.

Potvin clarifies, though, that the bill he would support to reinstate capital punishment "would stay away from circumstantial evidence, because mistakes can be made."

Also, Potvin hopes to create business opportunities for minorities through "enterprise zones" similar to those in Boston which entice new businesses by offering a reduction in the number of permits and fees required and lowered taxes.

Abolishing so-called "nuisance taxes" and cutting capital gains and state income taxes is Potvin's third aim.

But can a Republican win in the staunchly Democratic Cambridge?

Potvin thinks so.

A Republican in a Democratic Town

Despite the absence of Republican candidates in the 28th during the last 34 years, Potvin argues that the large number of Democratic candidates for the seat will only serve to weaken the Democratic side come the September primary.

"I think [the Democratic race] is going to be brutal. I think people will be sick of it," Potvin says.

"When a Republican is on the other side offering fresh issues, I believe Democrats will come around to vote Republican," Potvin says.

Potvin also contends that Democratic candidates, tending towards "the extreme left side," do not represent the community nor are they familiar with the issues facing the majority of Cantabrigians.

"In terms of unity, in terms of understanding the issues, I really don't see [myself and the other candidates] being the same, outside of just being from Cambridge," Potvin says.