GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The Third District is Michigan's second most Republican congressional district -- That gives supporters of Republican Congressman Justin Amash optimism as he seeks his second term in Washington.  

Amash prides himself as being an independent thinker who never misses votes and posts his voting rationale on Facebook.

Challenging Amash is Democrat Steve Pestka, a former county commissioner, state representative and judge who owns a real estate company.   Pestka says Amash's rigid ideology prevents him from being effective for the district.

No debates in the race were held, something Pestka criticized Amash for.  

Running again for the post is Libertarian Bill Gelineau.

Bill Ballenger, publisher of Inside Michigan Politics and a veteran state political observer, expects Amash will be reelected.