With the primary just three weeks away, tonight we're looking at the a battle for a State Senate seat in the Bronx, where Democratic incumbent Gustavo Rivera is being challenged by City Councilman Fernando Cabrera. State House Reporter Zack Fink takes a closer look at what has turned into a bitter contest.

Two years ago, City Councilman Fernando Carbrera challenged State Senator Gustavo Rivera and lost, but he's running again this year, this time with an influx of cash from an outside political action committee.

"You have national Republican donors, who have never put this amount of money into state races this early, people who are anti-union, anti-choice, anti-gay," said Senator Rivera.

The PAC is known as New Yorkers for Independent Action, and it's targeting four Democratic incumbents by supporting primary opponents in two Assembly races in Brooklyn, one on Long Island, and the Senate race in the Bronx. All four incumbents opposed the Education Tax Credit, a divisive issue in Albany the past few years, which was ultimately defeated by Assembly Democrats.

"The PAC is there for the educational tax credit," said Councilman Cabrera. "Why wouldn't you want parents to get a tax credit if their child is attending public school, attending private school or attending a charter school."

The 33rd District is located in the heart of the Bronx, covering Fordham, High Bridge, East Tremont and Crotona Park. In one of the poorest Senate districts in the state, Cabrera claims Rivera hasn't done nearly enough to deliver financially for residents.

"When someone is getting ready to vote what they are really looking at is resume. When you see my resume you see results," Councilman Cabrera said. "When you see his resume, my opponent, you will find that there is no track record. There is not a school, there is not a park."

"Either he is lying or he just doesn't understand how state government works," Rivera said. "I don't have member items. The City Council does. And I thank him for bringing money for parks and schools etc., but that does not make him special."

The Democratic Primary is Tuesday, September 13. The two candidates will face off in a debate on Inside City Hall next week, August 30.