Jim Lumpp, a Democratic candidate for the state House seat representing the Shenango Valley area, concedes that his Republican past is one of the issues in his race against 11-term state Rep. Michael C. Gruitza.

But it's just one of many issues, and of the many it's at the bottom of a tall totem pole in terms of importance, Lumpp says.

"Let's talk about the things that really impact people's lives. I've tried to keep this contest focused on those issues," said Lumpp, a 45-year-old Hermitage school board member who reregistered as a Democrat in January in anticipation of his House run.

Running as a Republican four years ago against Gruitza, Lumpp lost by nearly a 2-to-1 margin; Democrats have a 7-to-3 voter edge over Republicans in the Shenango Valley. "You can't make a difference if you don't win," Lumpp said of his party switch.

Lumpp noted that Gruitza called himself a "genuine Democrat" in a campaign ad that ran in Thursday's Herald. "Does he have a genuine solution for adequate and equitable school funding?" Lumpp asked.

He continued: "He proudly states that his parents were Democrats. Does he have a genuine solution to provide affordable health care options for senior citizens and others in his constituency?

"My opponent claims he is there for the working man. The best way to help the working man is to provide job opportunities, and that requires an improved business environment so companies will invest in our region."

Gruitza said he is proud of his record.

"I've worked with community and business leaders to improve our district, been a leading voice for our state's financially distressed school districts and helped secure millions of dollars for community and economic development projects in the district," Gruitza said.

As far as his opponent's party switch goes, Gruitza says it is important and disagreed with Lumpp's claim during their debate on Tuesday that party registration is just a "label."

"It's been said that you have to stand for something or you will fall for anything," Gruitza said.

When asked whether he would switch back to the Republican Party after the primary election Tuesday, Lumpp said: "Absolutely not. Even if I don't get elected, I am going to remain a Democrat. The reason is, we have a one-party system in the Shenango Valley, and you have to remain a part of that system or you can't make a difference."

The 7th District was redrawn last year to reflect Census changes and now includes Delaware and Lackawannock townships in addition to the familiar core of Sharon, Hermitage, Farrell, Sharpsville, Wheatland, West Middlesex, Clark and Pymatuning, Shenango and South Pymatuning townships.

The district includes about 61,000 Mercer County constituents, the most among three House districts that include Mercer County and more than half of the county's population.

For more information on the candidates, check out The Herald's Voter's Guide at sharon-herald.com.