DUMFRIES, Va. — With the midterm elections days away, candidates are taking every opportunity to gain voters.
Their campaign, political attack ads and experience have played an influence in how people choose their candidates, but at a diner in Dumfries, political party affiliations largely persuaded how customers vote.
The 7th Congressional District seat in Virginia is considered one of the most competitive races that could help decide who controls the U.S. House.
Democratic incumbent Abigail Spanberger is competing against Republican nominee Yesli Vega in a race full of bashing, controversies and a canceled debate.
Even though Spanberger has experience in running for an election, the newly redrawn district which includes parts of Prince William County forced her to meet new constituents. Vega is a GOP newcomer with nearly two years as Prince William County supervisor and experience as a deputy sheriff.
WUSA spent time at Dumfries Cafe on Friday and spoke to several people who supported Vega. The biggest message they resonated with is Vega's stance on the economy.
"I think she deserves a chance," Michele Hottinger said. "She's interested in cutting the excessive spending which will help all sorts of things. She's going to care about the people and a lot of politicians have forgotten that they really work for us."
"What I heard her is that she will help with us the economy and everything," Vernon Miller said. "I don't even want to see Democrats anymore with the way things are these days.
"I'm just tired of divisiveness," Charles Brewer added. "She's honest."
WUSA9 also spoke to a few supporters of Spanberger who had vastly different concerns. They feel Vega has extreme viewpoints that do not align with their belief, including her comments that seemingly cast doubt on rape victims getting pregnant.
"I'm voting Spanberger mainly because of her issues on human rights," Don Fear told WUSA9. "I think there's a scope of things that leads me to the Democratic Party rather than voting for the Republican party. When you have someone saying that a woman can't get pregnant if she's raped to me, that's 17th-century thinking."
James Gholson said he likes Spanberger's experience, views on protecting abortion rights and stance on election integrity.
"Spanberger is experienced and pro-Democracy," James Gholson said. "Though I am concerned about the economy, I'm more concerned about the country as far as elections and being able to know that my vote counted and mattered."