Braddock Race County's Fiercest

"Fairfax County’s fiercest election battle this year is unfolding in the Braddock District, where the neighborhood concerns and politics are strikingly representative of the county as a whole," reported the Washington Post in Fairfax County eyes Braddock race as bellwether for all.

Incumbent won the seat in a 2009 special election.  It's the first time in 30 years a Republican has held the office.

, a former Fairfax County School Board member, is the Democrat's hope to take it back.

The third candidate is , chairman of Independent Greens of Virginia, the state affiliate of the Independence Party of America. He's running as an independent, and while no one thinks he can win, it is unclear how his presence in the race will effect the vote count for the two major party candidates.

In a series of debates, the three candidates verbally tussled over issues effecting the entire county.  At the core, however, Cook believes Oleszek is unprepared for the job.  Oleszek does not agree with Cook's fiscal conservatism, especially when it comes to schools.

"The district has a reputation as a political barometer," said the Washington Post. For example, Braddock voted for George W. Bush (R) for president in 2000, but backed Sen. John F. Kerry (D) four years later.  "It also voted for President Obama, but by a smaller margin than the rest of county."

In the end, it will be voter turnout that makes the difference.  Low turnout is expected, so each individual vote carries more weight.  A on Saturday, and the hope to motivate residents to vote Tuesday.