JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – Voters in Chautauqua County are faced to decide who will represent them in Albany come Election Day.

The 150th state Assembly District is comprised of all of Chautauqua County, and finds this year's race between a long-time Republican incumbent and a Democratic political newcomer, who despite working for other candidates in the past, decided to accept her party's nomination, step into the spotlight, and run a campaign of her own.

"I have a love and a passion for this area that I have not seen in any representative really. And I would kick myself the rest of my life if I did not accept. There would always be like, ‘what if.’ I figured, go for it," said Christina Cardinale, (D) 150th State Assembly District candidate.

Cardinale has secured the Democratic line for the 150th Assembly District and says through her working-class business experience, wants to bring new perspective toward marketing the county. 

The Kiantone native says finding inventive ways to increase state revenue without cutting education and healthcare is her top priority, toward improving the quality of life in Chautauqua County.

"It's very hard to move forward with that plan until we fix the deficit, because there's very little we can do because we're drowning in debt right now. So, fix it first, then fix Chautauqua County," said Cardinale

Should Cardinale win the seat, she says being in the Assembly majority will open the door to getting more accomplished.

She also wants to reach across party lines and initiate discussions with the GOP minority.

"I like Republicans, I really do. I would represent everyone. Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Independent, it doesn't matter. At the end of the day, I want to represent people," said Cardinale.

"If you come in as a freshman, doesn't matter whether you're in the minority or majority, you have virtually no influence. The residents in Chautauqua County have a direct voice in what's happening in Albany on the floor," said Andy Goodell, (R) 150th State Assembly District candidate.

As the incumbent Goodell, is seeking his sixth term and will be on the Republican, Conservative, and Independent lines.

He also serves as GOP minority leader and helps coordinate debates on the Assembly floor.

"The budget crisis and the employment crisis facing New York is so extreme, that I felt it was imperative that someone with experience on the floor of the Assembly, that I be in Albany doing my best to represent the residents in Chautauqua County. The issues are huge," said Goodell.

Goodell says those issues include restarting the state economy, as well as increasing funding for schools and local governments.

The long-time attorney says he's also sponsoring bail reform legislation and co-sponsoring other police initiatives to better protect local communities.

"There's been a frontal assault on law enforcement and that affects everyone. We want to live in a safe community," said Goodell

There are more than 79,000 registered voters across the district, with Republicans holding a slight edge over Democrats.