Gene Stilp challenges Congressman Lou Barletta in PA-11 race

(Undated) -- A longtime central Pennsylvania political activist is taking on a Republican incumbent in the race to represent that state's 11th Congressional District.

Democrat Gene Stilp of Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County filed the initial complaint in the so-called "Bonusgate scandal" and has also spoken out against utility rate increases.

He says these days, one of the biggest challenges facing the country is how to preserve health-related programs. "I am for traditional Medicare, traditional Social Security. I'm against vouchers for Medicare. I'm against privatizing Social Security. I don't believe the stock market should be a place where we invest our Social Security dollars because of the ups and downs of the stock market."

Stilp's challenging Republican Lou Barletta, who was elected two years ago.

Barletta says he voted for GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan's budget, which provides for massive cuts in educational and environmental programs. "The Ryan budget, which we passed in the House, not only gets our spending under control, but really addressing the main problems that are driving America's debt, and that's the entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Social Security."

Barletta adds reforming healthcare would be one of his priorities if reelected and that there should be competition across state lines to help drive down costs.

The 11th District was redrawn after the 2010 Census and now includes all or parts of nine counties, including Wyoming County in the north, and Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, and Northumberland counties. Critics say it's a heavily-gerrymandered district that purposely divides certain communities for political reasons.

Hear Congressman Barletta's views on illegal immigration and the economy:

Hear Stilp's views on fighting corruption, redistricting, and Social Security: