Republican State Senator Hugh Farley has served the 44th Senate district for more than three decades. On Tuesday, Democratic Schenectady County Legislator Susan Savage will try to end his long run. Erin Connolly has a race preview.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

Republican Senator Hugh Farley has served the 44th District for the last 34 years. Looking to break that streak is the Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, Democrat Susan Savage. It's been a contentious race marked by political attack ads and face to face attacks.

''Senator Farley came right out of the box with some very negative attacks. Negative and misleading attacks on my record and even on my family,” said Susan Savage, (D) Niskayuna.

''This has kind of been a mean and nasty campaign and it's not one I've normally been involved in. I don't like that part of it. It's unpleasant,” said Sen. Hugh Farley, (R) 44th Senate District.

Savage has called out Senator Farley for voting to increase taxes 680 times. The three decade incumbent says he has voted for more tax cuts, than tax increases.

Another point of contention: what to do about Medicaid. Savage wants the state to take it over. Farley does not.

''We don't need any more burdens and the reality of that is unrealistic. Anyone who knows anything about anything. It's been said a pig would fly first before that would happen,” said Farley.

''A big part of the problem is having elected officials saying oh that's never going to happen. That means you're a part of the problem and not a part of the solution,” said Savage.

Savage has touted her fresh faced approach saying she has not only created 3,500 private sector jobs, but has also helped bring $400 million in new investment to Schenectady County.

The Chair there since 2004, has also cut property taxes four out of the last six years.

''This was a community hard hit for a long time economically and I think we've shown by working together we can rebuild a community that was struggling and we're really proud of those efforts,” said Savage.

Senator Farley says he has also revitalized Downtown Schenectady by making it the headquarters of four state agencies. As far as legislation goes, the 18 term Senator has authored laws benefiting seniors including the nation's first hospice law and a law banning mandatory retirement.

Farley has also been instrumental in passing laws dealing with banking regulation and environmental issues.

''I've been very thrilled how people have supported me and I've been able to accomplish quite a few things and some of my legislation over the years have been rather significant and I'm proud of that,” said Farley.

While this pair can't seem to agree on much, they both say, if elected, they're ready to serve the constituents of the 44th District.

''I've enjoyed campaigning and I've enjoyed the people and the issues around the district. And I'm ready to go to work,” said Savage.

''I'm proud of my record and I'm running on it and I think I've served with honor and integrity over 34 years and I'd like to continue to do that,” said Farley.

Now on this Election Day, we're just hours away from hearing whether voters said "out with the old in with the new" or whether they preferred to stick with the familiar.