The two top candidates for the 7th congressional district --- incumbent republican Tim Walberg and challenger democratic state senator Mark Schauer --- may only agree on one thing.... just how much they differ.

"This will be a race of contrasts," Congressman Tim Walberg said.

"There is a great contrast of choice to be made," State Senator Mark Schauer said.

Freshman congressman Walberg said he won't raise taxes.

"I've never voted for a tax increase in 16 years in the state house and in congress," Walberg said. "Frankly we don't need more taxes."

And condemns Schauer for voting for the Michigan Business Tax.

"He voted for the highest tax increase in the state," Walberg said.

Schauer defended his voting record.

"It took bipartisan compromise that wouldn't cut education and other vital services for our community," Schauer said.

Schauer said he supports alternative energy.

"We need to invest and create technology that will help us break our dependence on oil, not just foreign oil," Schauer said.

Walberg said he does too, but also supports off-shore drilling.

"I believe Americans can be independent, but only if we use our own natural resources and expand the usage," Walberg said.

Whether because of their differences or in spite of them, this race is almost a dead heat and has become one of the hottest contested races in the country.

"It was my first term," Walberg said. "First re-elect is the most challenging because they don't want you to build a base"

"I've been winning as a democrat in republican districts my whole career," Schauer said.

With just about 70 days until the November election, all eyes will be right here, in Michigan.