'The work is done'

Months of hard campaign work have come down to today's election, when roles reverse and Bloomington's city council candidates finally find out where the voters stand on the issues. \nGoing into the election, Democrats hold seven of the nine city council seats and have had control of the council for the last 32 years. \nRepublican candidate for District V David Sabbagh said Republicans have been working hard for a shot at taking over a majority .\n"Certainly, we are very interested in capturing control of the council," Sabbagh said. "We tried to change our agenda this year and work for what we campaigned for."\nWith one seat for each district and three at-large seats up for grabs, a total of 18 candidates are vying for nine seats. District I representative Patricia Cole and at-large councilman Anthony Pizzo are not seeking re-election. \nTonight, officials with both respective parties said candidates will be gathering at their designated headquarters to wait for the results to come in.\nBloomington Democratic Party Vice Chairman Regina Moore expressed her happiness with the Democratic campaign.\n"I feel so good about what our candidates have done," she said. "I think we've all stayed positive to put out our issues and visions in a clear cut way."\nMoore, who is also running for re-election as city clerk, said volunteers brought a lot of energy to the party and everyone worked very hard together.\n"There were so many people in headquarters, there was a very good feeling," Moore said. "Everyone hung together really well."\nRepublican Party consultant Suzanne Long said she's satisfied with the effort put forth by the local GOP. \n"We've been out knocking on doors and trying to talk to as many people as possible," Long said. "I am happy with the way things went throughout the campaigns." \nIn District I, Democratic candidate Chris Sturbaum has been focusing his campaign on expanding programs around the city and addressing sidewalk and traffic issues for safer neighborhoods. \nSturbaum said at times the campaigning has been discouraging, but it's now time for voters to make their choice.\n"I'm really satisfied with my campaign," Sturbaum said. "I just wish there had been more public forums, but I'm pleased with the way I ran my campaign."\nDistrict IV Republican Rod Young said he's also happy with his campaign, but now it's out of his hands. \n"You go out and hope things go well," Young said. "I spent yesterday talking with family and tonight I will be at headquarters to hear the results."\nSabbagh said he spent last night talking with council candidates to discuss today's agenda and visiting polling places.\n"I always think back and feel that I could have done more things," Sabbagh said. "For the most part, I am content and I hope that voters turn out."\nSturbaum said that last minute campaign moves were not as necessary closer to election time.\n"Right now, the work is done," Sturbaum said. "You can't do much more the night before elections, you either have done or you haven't."\nMoore also stated all candidates will meet tonight at the Monroe County Public Library at 7 p.m. for a statement concerning the elections and to receive election returns.\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.