After two intense campaign battles, Congressman Steve Buyer is finding his third campaign easier.

The Republican representative of Indiana's 5th District faces a challenge from one of the youngest candidates running for Congress.

Doug Clark, 25, of Plymouth, has concentrated much of his campaign on meeting constituents, and has made fund-raising a backburner issue.

Clark quit his job as community relations person for Plymouth public schools in May to campaign full time.

Canvassing one of the largest geographical districts in Indiana (touching 20 counties, including the southern half of Kosciusko) has been a daunting challenge.

But Clark said he's making an impact.

"I haven't raised a lot of money because I don't believe in raising a lot of money and trying to win the election. I'm trying to build trust with the people, and to do that, you've got to go one-on-one with them," Clark said.

Clark said constituents are concerned about what he calls pocketbook issues - job security, educational opportunities and the economy.

Issues he advocates include eliminating tax breaks for companies that move jobs out of the United States and establishing tax credits for college tuition.

Buyer, 38, arrived in Congress four years ago by defeating longtime Congressman Jim Jontz. Two years ago, he was elected over Howard County Sheriff J.D. Beatty.

Buyer, a veteran, has championed congressional investigations into the Gulf War illness, which he suffered during his stint.

He has also been a strong opponent of balancing the budget and cutting taxes.

Although he's taking the campaign seriously, Buyer isn't using all of his ammunition by any means. The Monticello resident has a sizeable campaign war chest, and expects to retain nearly $100,000 for the next campaign.

This campaign also marks the first time in which Buyer did not plan to buy any television time for commercials. [[In-content Ad]]