He says now is the best time to beat Congressman Mark Souder. Democratic congressional candidate Mike Montagano is fired up after Indiana’s primary. Our Nicole Pence caught up with the candidate today to talk "policy".

Elkart native Mike Montagano says he's ready to help "change Washington"...and he argues he's got the plan, the passion, and the cash to make it happen.

At 26 years old, he's one of the youngest congressional candidates in the country. But, democrat Mike Montagano argues his age will help him beat Mark Souder.

Mike Montagano/Congressional Candidate: "A fresh perspective. Someone that will go to Washington and be able to represent us. Right now it is time for a new generation of leadership. And, quite frankly, I think my age is an advantage."

Montagano captured more than 75-thousand votes in the primary...that's almost as many votes as Tom Hayhurst raked in when he lost to Souder in 2006. Arguably that election year was much different. But, Montagano says it's a clear sign voters in the third district are tired of the current leadership. He doesn't buy the idea, those people just crossed-over for the primary.

Mike Montagano/ Congressional Candidate: "I don't think these people are going anywhere. I think they want change now in May as when it comes to the real election."

With over two-hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars on hand, and more than five-hundred individual donors signed-up, Montagano says he's the best funded democratic challenger in the state.

As for the issues: the two candidates line up closely. Like Souder, Montagano says a long-term energy solution is the only way to fix skyrocketing gas prices.

Mike Montagano/Congressional Candidate: "We are spending billions of dollars every year on subsidies from this region alone to big oil companies. Those need to be re-prioritized to organizations that need them...We need to put money to research and development to stop our dependence on foreign oil."

He's also against a 'cut and run" strategy for the war in Iraq. Montagano says he plans to fight hard to keep in-patient services at the local VA hospital.

Last week California okayed gay marriage. Montagano doesn't have a personal stance on that... But says it's state issue.

How does the Souder camp feel about the upcoming race? They tell Indiana’s NewsCenter they're confident the Congressman will pull off his eighth consecutive win. We plan to sit down with Souder next time he is in town to hear his thoughts on Montagano.