Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As pundits go over the numbers in the first poll of the race for Congress between incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul and Republican Chris Collins, the leaders of Erie County's two big parties are talking about what it takes to win.

Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy says job creation will be the big issue. "I believe Chris Collins will be firmly on message on the need to fix Washington and turn this economy around and create jobs," says Langworthy. He adds Collins has an understanding of the economy to create jobs. "He's gotta get that message directly to the voters and he's been doing a good job at that." Langworthy says another issue is big government and getting that out of the way of business.

Democratic Chairman Len Lenihan says Hochul has two great strengths, getting things done and reaching across the aisle. "She's going to every community in this district, and saying 'If the Republicans have a good idea, I'll support it. If the Democrats have a good idea, I'll support it. I'll call them as I see them," says Lenihan. Lenihan also cites Hochul's efforts to jobs at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. "She's out in the dairy farms, everywhere where problems exist, solving those problems in the heart of middle America," adds Lenihan.