U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie says he must be doing something right to be facing no heavyweight challengers as he seeks re-election for his 11th consecutive term.

"I think I've acted in a responsible and effective way," Abercrombie said in a recent interview. "I believe people have decided ... I'm responding well to the needs of the moment."

Abercrombie was first elected to represent the 1st Congressional District (urban Honolulu) in 1990. He has been voted back ever since, overcoming fierce opposition at times from Republican opponents.

This year, Republican Steve Tataii, an educator and independent conflict resolution consultant with little support or money for advertising, is squaring off against Abercrombie .

Two Libertarians have also filed election papers, Li Zhao and C. Kaui Amsterdam.

They are vying for a congressional seat that represents about 600,000 people, according to 2004 Census figures.

Abercrombie and Tataii will automatically move on to the Nov. 4 general election after primary night, as long as they receive at least one vote each, while Zhao and Amsterdam will face off for one Libertarian Party spot.

Abercrombie said there are a wide range of economic and domestic policy concerns facing Hawai'i voters. And he said the Islands must work fast to make sure the recession doesn't cripple Hawai'i's economy for years to come.

"The last time this kind of thing happened we were 10 years getting out of it," he said.

He added that federal investment in "projects and programs" is one way to stimulate the economy.

Tataii said he feels he could do a better job at making sure the state's economy remains afloat — and adds he would do a better overall job of representing Hawai'i in Washington, D.C.

"I'm for all people," said Tataii, who has run unsuccessfully for state House, U.S. House and City Council. "I would like to create a balance here. I can do a better job" than Abercrombie.

The Libertarians in the congressional race said they're running to get their voices heard.

"It is time to take charge of our own lives," Zhao said, in filing papers with the state Elections Office. "We must seek free markets and greater personal liberty. This will not happen with politics as usual. Don't waste your vote on the status quo."

Amsterdam said in filing papers that Hawai'i politicians are overlooking "important needs via Hawai'i's weakened economy." He said he would bring "progressive, vital, successful change to Hawai'i, the Middle East and the world" if elected.