Democratic candidates vying to fill United States Rep. Elizabeth Esty's 5th Congressional District seat have just one week to convince voters that they should be on the ballot this fall.

Political newcomer Jahana Hayes is a former national teacher of the year, who grew up in a housing project in Waterbury and was personally recruited by Sen. Chris Murphy. Her story has made headlines in a year of nontraditional candidates.

Mary Glassman, a former first selectman in Simsbury and two-time candidate for lieutenant governor, promises experience. She's backed by much of the Democratic Party.

When it comes to the issues, the two have few differences. They say the issue is who can beat a Republican in a year in which control of Congress is at stake.

The 5th District, which stretches from Meriden up to Litchfield County, is the most competitive congressional seat in Connecticut. Almost half of the district's voters are independents.

The primary vote is Aug. 14.