Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, is facing an opponent in his bid for a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in the Aug. 8 primary.

Rogers represents the 8th District, which includes Clinton, Ingham and Livingston counties and parts of Oakland and Shiawassee counties.

In the primary, Rogers faces Republican Patrick Flynn, and the winner will run against Democrat Jim Marcinkowski in the general election on Nov. 7. Marcinkowski is unopposed in the primary.

A term in the House lasts for two years, and representatives, along with the Senate, are responsible for things such as passing the budget and bringing money to their state in funding for different projects.

Below is a brief description of why both Rogers and Flynn want your vote.

The challenger

Flynn, who is a business manager at a Catholic church in Hamburg, said he's challenging Rogers because he doesn't believe Rogers is conservative enough.

He said Rogers isn't committed to conservative causes.

Flynn describes himself as a strong, committed and enthusiastic conservative.

He said as a representative he would work to ban abortion and same-sex marriage and work to strengthen Second Amendment rights.

He also wants to reduce government spending and make the government smaller, even if that means reducing legislators' salaries.

Flynn said he's willing to go against the Republican Party if it's not sticking to its platform and core beliefs.

"I will confront any type of wrongdoing, and I will hold principle over other things in any situation," Flynn said. "When the party does things that are wrong, I'll hold principle over party, even if that means I have to make a very difficult decision in the effort to do what's right."

Flynn said he's the best choice for the House because he can best represent what the Republican Party stands for.

"I'm a stronger conservative and this is a conservative district," Flynn said.

The incumbent

Rogers is in his third term in the House and serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee panel and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Sylvia Warner, Rogers' spokeswoman, said he is focusing on his work on the intelligence committee, health care, trade enforcement and other projects — issues he would continue to work on if re-elected.

"His number one priority is anything that would assist in building and strengthening jobs in Michigan," Warner said.

Warner said Rogers is continuing to work on making health care more affordable, particularly for businesses to provide it for their employees.

He's also focusing on making ethanol, an alternative fuel, more accessible and has introduced bills to make that happen.

Warner said Rogers' presence in the House is important because of his experience working for the FBI.

"He's been instrumental in helping to better understand the war on terror, and he's become a source for the leadership and administration in what's happening in the war on terror," Warner said.

Warner said Rogers has the endorsement of groups such as Right to Life of Michigan, and his record shows his commitment to Republican issues.

Rogers is the right choice for the 8th District because of his experience and commitment to Michigan, Warner said.

"He's a lifelong resident of Michigan who has a good understanding of Michigan's needs and has made a lifelong commitment to public service," Warner said.