The battle for New York's 20th congressional district is a political street fight, a nasty one. NY1’s Curtis Schick filed the following report.

Incumbent Republican John Sweeney and Democratic Kirsten Gillibrand have spent lots of time and money attacking each other.

“We had to push back,” said Sweeney. “To say what she was saying isn't true.”

“I stand by my ads,” said Gillibrand. “Because they are very issues based. I could not say the same about the congressman's ads.”

Gillibrand has questioned Sweeney's ethics, suggesting he has cashed in from connections to lobbyists, including Jack Abramoff. Sweeney has called her a Manhattan liberal, who is not even really from the district. She is originally from the capital region, moved to Manhattan to work after college, and moved back to the region two years ago.

Mud that has covered this race is getting even thicker in its final week. Two newspapers obtained a state police report from last December that claims the Congressman got physical with his wife during an argument. Sweeney denies that report's authenticity. All of this has made for the closest race Sweeny has faced in years.

“It's the first time residents in the 20th district will be casting a meaningful vote in a congressional election,” said Skidmore College Government Professor Bob Turner.

There are issues concerning voters in this sprawling district, which stretches from the southern Adirondacks, through Albany's bedroom communities, on south to the Catskills. The 20th is both rural and suburban, anchored by the city of Saratoga Springs.

“We've been able to get resources here,” said Sweeney. “In my district, are the three fastest growth counties in the state.”

Gillibrand sees it differently, saying that middle class families are struggling to stay in New York.

“Talk to anyone in this district, the number one concern is property taxes,” said Gillibrand. “They keep sending down unfunded mandates.”

As for the war in Iraq, Sweeney supported the decision to go to war, but differs from the president on his plans for peace.

“You partition the nation,” said Sweeney. “Divide it into the elements that are already there, the Sunnis, the Shiites and the Kurds.

Gillibrand, on the other hand, said Sweeney has "stayed the course" far too long.

“If you give each of these three a stake in their governments, then at least you have a chance, with oil and reconstructions,” said Gillibrand. “Then show them that peace is better than civil war.”

The district leans Republican, giving Bush an eight point advantage in 2004.

Congressional Quarterly calls the race a tossup although Sweeney leads in most independent polls. But judging by the political heavyweights who have visited the district, the race is tight.

The Clintons and the man likely to be the state's next governor, Eliot Spitzer, have stumped for the Democrat. While the Republican played host to the First Lady and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Sweeney has won by overwhelming margins in his four previous elections, but for the first time in many years, voter discontent and an aggressive campaign by his opponent could send a Democrat to Washington.

Curtis Schick