There are six Democrats who want to unseat U.S. Representative William Jefferson for the 2nd Congressional District.

Jefferson was not there Tuesday night when those candidates went head-to-head during a Democrats-only debate before a crowd of more than 50 people, hoping to sway voters their way.

The candidates cited a lack of leadership in Congress, a lack of progress after the storm and a lack of residents able to come back home as the main reasons they are running for the District 2 seat.

They took their ideas and their issues to the public arena, concerning the state of the city three years after Hurricane Katrina.

Candidates told Eyewitness News where they stand and what they will do if elected:

"We need to be in a situation where our numbers were where they were before in the 1960s, which was around the 600,000 mark," said candidate James Carter. "We need to be back to a place where crime's low and we feel safe, and we need to be back to a place where education system is one of the best around," he said.

"Money has been appropriated, but stuck in bureaucratic system. We have to decide how best we get that money out of there and get it to the homeowners in the communities to make an impact we deserve," said Kenya Smith.

Helena Moreno says her priorities will focus on the healthcare system and coastal restoration.

"Our hospitals are losing millions a month, people don't have community-based healthcare clinics to go to so they are overwhelming the healthcare system," she said. "Three years after Katrina we need to be in Washington, D.C., kicking and screaming for coastal restoration. It is our first line of defense when it comes to storms."

"We need someone who is focused and who can be outspoken that people can't dismiss," said Cedric Richmond. "And that gives assurance to the rest of Congress they can send money here and we will spend it the right way."

"We have to first provide the resources to people to rebuild and lessen the choke hold on paperwork to provide real solutions to getting resources to them," said Troy C. Carter. "And, we have to have Category 5 hurricane protection to protect what we rebuild."

"There is the importance of having infrastructure improvements completed, the importance of fighting crime and providing healthcare infrastructure," said Byron Lee. "And not only provide healthcare for those in need but to create jobs."

Some candidates are concerned about low voter turnout in this race, since the primary will be held on September 6. However, it is a hotly contested race. Others believe voters will make the effort to go to the polls.