Out of all the races that affect the Central Coast, there's probably none that have been as widely publicized as the 24th district race between Lois Capps and Abel Maldonado.
You've seen the campaign advertisements. The two have been going toe to toe the whole way and some experts call this year's election for the 24th congressional district one that is up for grabs for either side.
Both candidates have been downplaying their identification with their political party. Capps is a member of the Democratic Party and Maldonado the Republican Party. Both have also been attacking each other with accusations of tax evasion.
Central Coast News spoke with the two to get their final comments before the polls open.
"I think I've been someone who has been open and reasonable and pragmatic and one who doesn't put party first but puts people first," says Maldonado. "And I think that's what we need in Washington today to get people back on track."
"We want to extend the middle class tax break," says Capps. "I've already voted to do so a couple of times. And I do hope that with our new Congress that comes back, we can actually do something about the challenges that working class families face."
The 24th district includes San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, as well as a small portion of Ventura County.
Central Coast News will be keeping a close eye on this race. We'll have all the updates as they come in.
