Representative Fred Keller enjoying first two months in Congress

PLAINS, LUZERNE COUNTY — It's been two months in Congress for republican Fred Keller.

He represents our state's 12th district after winning a special election in May to fill Tom Marino's vacated seat.

Keller stopped by FOX56 to discuss his first days in Congress.

"It was actually get to work on day one because it's different coming in on a special election versus a normal election cycle because of the fact of you don't have the period between election day and the beginning of session," Keller said. 

"We're going to be spending this month of August making sure we get to all corners of the district," he added.

Back on election day, the republican Keller said there were four main things the 12th district needed from him.

"Taking care of our veterans, making sure middle class tax cuts are made permanent, the economy keeps growing and the good job training for the jobs that are coming with a strong economy," Keller said in May.

Jobs are key, especially in Keller's home of Snyder County, where hundreds of employees at the cabinet manufacturer Wood-Mode were abruptly laid off the same week he was elected.

There was even a job fair the day after the election to help displaced workers. One is in the Keller family.

"My brother in law, a 41-year employee was one of the employees that got the notice that day they were closing the doors. Someone else will be able to reopen a business in Snyder County to help those people out," Keller said.

Keller's been in Wyoming County this week- meeting with local businesses in Tunkhannock. But he's also watched the Democratic Presidential debates and he didn't hear a lot of great ideas from the candidates.

"Vice President Biden talking about getting rid of fossil fuels and no fracking. It would affect our national security. If we want to stop Russia, let's develop our energy," he said.

"I just want everyone to know. Don't let anyone define your abilities. Don't let anyone define what you can do to succeed."