Lydia Jackson says she's logged a lot of miles campaigning for her third and final term in the state senate.

She says after spending her last 12 years in Baton Rouge fighting for families and funding for I-49, she's ready to focus on the economy and jobs.

Her plan is to start renovating inner city housing.

She says housing is a great place to address blight and displacement. She calls it a great job creator.

Jackson believes it could help stabilize the area's dropping population.

But her opponent, Greg Tarver, who held this Senate seat for 20 years, says the lack of economic development is to blame.

He says there is nothing to keep people in Shreveport. He says the area needs better jobs.

With the state facing a billion dollar budget deficit, Tarver says the state has to do a better job at prioritizing its spending.

He says it's time to take a look at possibly increasing the state's tobacco and soft drink taxes, to boost education and health care.

Jackson agrees that those two areas can no longer bear the brunt of budget cuts.

She believes lawmakers need to look at all tax exemptions in the state.

Also in this race is republican Jim Slagle from Vivian.

He admits he doesn't have a shot at winning.

But he feels as though communities like Vivian are being ignored, while the inner city gets all the projects and money.

Slagle says he's not a politician, he doesn't have a grand plan. The only thing he wants to do is help people.

He hopes his candidacy gives him a voice with the other two candidates.

Slagle says rural areas need help with education, recreation centers and job creation.

Early voting begins Saturday, October 8th.

The election is October 22nd.