This area, which is predominantly Catholic, is very supportive of Chabot's strong pro-life stance.
Cranley, however, is Catholic and pro-life as well, which may be key is his insurgent quest for this seat.
" John Cranley is a progressive Democrat, and the fact that he's pro-life will appeal to a larger cross-section of voters," said Massachusetts Young Democrats President and Kennedy School of Government graduate Avi Green, who also is assisting in Cranley's campaign. "He's going to campaign everywhere; [he's] not going to cross off anything in his bid for the seat."
Cranley concedes it will be an uphill battle, as his incumbent opponent has amassed a large war chest--according to Cranley over $500,000--and was capable of easily fending off the past two Democratic challengers.
But Cranley has picked up a good deal of momentum in the past couple months.
"If I knew two months ago what I know now about this race, I might not have gotten involved at all," said Cranley. "But what has happened in the past two months has exceeded our wildest dreams."