By Lindsey Robinson
The Troy Messenger

For several candidates on the ballot Tuesday, all the campaigns, disputes and speeches boil down to one main battle: fresh ideas versus seasoned political strategies.

Up for re-election for state senate, Sen. Wendell Mitchell, D-Luverne, believes in economic recovery and reviving education in Alabama. He also has called for an end to “partisan bickering” in order to move forward in policy and progress, he said.

“Political candidates seem more interested in pointing the finger along party lines than focusing on the future,” he wrote in a statement. “I have always tried to work across party lines, build bridges and establish dialogue that moves us forward.”

His opponent, Republican candidate Bryan Taylor, believes in tax cuts for working families and small businesses, cutting wasteful government spending, and weeding out corruption, starting with the repeal of the 62 percent pay raise for legislators.

“It’s time for a change in Montgomery. We need fresh thinking and new ideas from a true conservative,” Taylor said.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright, D-Ala., is banking on his wealth of experience and his commitments to his constituents to pull him through in the polls, he said.

“A lifetime of experience really does count when you need things done in our nation’s capital,” he said.

He also believes his home field advantage will work in his favor on Election Day. Bright, D-Montgomery, lived in Wiregrass, and now lives in the northern part of his district.

His opponent, Republican Martha Roby, is planning to bring strong conservative values and economic growth to Congress if she’s elected.

“We need to get money back in the hands of the people who create jobs,” she said.

She also said she leans on stalwart convictions that don’t waver or bend to political whims, and believes voters are ready for a strong-minded leader in Congress.

“They’re ready to have a Congress that will listen to them and then fight,” she said.

The polls open at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.