BEND, OR -- Oregon’s Second Congressional District has new boundaries, but it’s still expected to be a tough fight for Democrats. The two Democrats hoping for the chance to unseat Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz took part in a Tuesday forum, hosted by City Club of Central Oregon and the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County. 

Adam Prine is a Chicago native who moved to southern Oregon six years ago. He says he supports legislation to reduce gun violence - with limits, "I would not vote to take away someone’s right to own an automatic weapon, because it’s a fundamental right and it’s in the Constitution. But, I do think a well-regulated militia also has background checks." Joe Yetter says he also wants more background checks, to close loopholes and increase firearm safety, "I think that improved safety measures like gun locks can be required." He’s a veteran and physician in Douglas County. 

Both candidates support some form of universal healthcare and banning stock trading by members of Congress, but varied widely on many other issues. Yetter was asked what sets him apart from his Democratic opponent. "I believe that you get things done by working with people, understanding that you share some common values and some common interests," he said, "And that one doesn’t need to burn down the building before working to rebuild and build better." In response to the same question, Prine said his campaign is ready to bring change to the district, "I’m in it to win it. I’m in it for a long, long fight. Nothing’s going to make me quit. I don’t even really want to do it but it’s mandatory."

Click HERE to watch the complete forum and others hosted by City Club.

Oregon's Primary is May 17.

Photo: (top left) Adam Prine, (bottom left) Joe Yetter, (bottom right) Moderator Emily Cureton Cook, Central Oregon Bureau Chief for OPB.