Countdown Is On As Pugh, Dixon Eye Up Mayor Seat

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--With the general election just days away, Baltimore Democrats keep the city guessing about who will win the race for mayor.

Of course there is a Republican and a Green Party candidate on the ballot, but the attention-grabber is the long and continuing rivalry between Sheila Dixon and Catherine Pugh.

Catherine Pugh's campaign is focusing on a strategy for Baltimore.

Sheila Dixon's focus is getting voters to write her name in, as explained in an internet ad and in a city-wide mailing with an ironic blooper, considering correct spelling is necessary for a write-in vote to count.

Catherine Pugh tells WJZ her game plan hasn't changed in the face of this challenge.

"We took our election straight to the people, continue to knock on doors and ask people to vote for us and call people on the phone - I'm just going to cast my vote and look forward to the end of this election," Pugh said.

She voted today, in addition to meeting with voters.

Dixon's challenge is not only to get people to vote for her, but tell them how to do it.

"We have one more day til early voting and then on November the 8th all day and I think people realize that I'm committed to this city," Dixon said.

But can she win?

"Most write-in candidates are unknowns. She's known. Very widely," said political scientist Matthew Crenson.

He still believes the odds of an upset are against her but not low enough to discourage Dixon supporters.

This is the city's first election in a presidential year so turnout November 8th is expected to be higher than usual.

Early voters are already breaking records this campaign season.

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