VIDEO: Democratic Candidate's Forum 1st Massachusetts Congressional District

(WWLP) - Massachusetts lost one of its 10 congressional districts following the 2010 Census, and as such the boundaries of the nine new districts present big changes for voters statewide. Here in western Massachusetts, incumbent 2nd District Congressman Richard Neal (D-Springfield) is running for a 14th term, to represent a re-drawn district that will be new 1st Massachusetts District.

The district includes some parts of Neal’s outgoing 2nd District, including the Springfield area and southwestern Worcester County, but adds areas such as Holyoke, Westfield, the Hilltowns of western Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, and all of Berkshire County; areas currently represented by retiring Congressman John Olver (D-Amherst).

Neal is being challenged by two other Democrats who wish to represent the new district, former state senator and current Middle Berkshire Register of Deeds Andrea Nuciforo of Pittsfield, and writer and community activist Bill Shein of Alford.

Neal declined 22News’ request to participate in a debate scheduled for August 31, and Nuciforo also decided not to participate. Shein accepted 22News’ invitation, and answered questions from Moderator Rich Tettemer on a variety of subjects, including the economy, the war in Afghanistan, taxes, and corporate influence in politics.