BATON ROUGE - Seven of the ten candidates vying for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District outlined their priorities at the Baton Rouge Press Club during a candidate forum one day before the election.

The candidates running for the newly-drawn seat took part in the forum as they seek to replace Rep. Cleo Fields. The legislature redrew the district earlier this year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the state's congressional map was unconstitutional.

Republican Monique Appeaning, a former mayoral aide and government analyst, said she wants to reduce federal spending and build bipartisan support in Congress.

"Over 25 [years] I have worked and sat at tables solving problems, whether you were Democrat or Republican," said Appeaning.

Democrat Chauna Banks, a former East Baton Rouge Metro Councilwoman, prioritized healthcare access and said her experience sets her apart.

"We need living experience. This is not the time for on the job training," said Banks.

Attorney and Libertarian candidate Rufus Craig said he wants to reduce the national debt, end the war on drugs and break the two party system.

"We keep sending Republicans and Democrats to Congress. We could send pineapples and coconuts to Congress and get the same results," said Craig.

Republican Larry Davis, a minister, said Congress needs fewer career politicians and more accountability.

"The people in Congress are playing in our faces right now," said Davis.

Democrat Patrick Forbes, who worked under three former governors, said he wants to lower gas and electricity costs.

"I'm running because the system is rigged against hardworking Americans," said Forbes.

Self-funded Republican Michael Mebreuer, an economist, campaigned on federal spending reform and fiscal responsibility.

"The people said for so long they are tired of big money controlling their politics. Well, this is your opportunity," said Mebreuer.

Republican Stephen Wagley, who owns a medical training college, said he wants to strengthen border security and lower the national debt.

"We take in a lot of tax dollars, and we know that we waste a lot of those tax dollars on fraudulent spending, wasteful spending," said Wagley.

Democrat Lindsay "Rubia" Garcia and Republicans Rick Edmonds and Blake Miguez did not attend the forum. Miguez also declined to participate in WBRZ's debate early last month.