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Closer look at Nueces County Judge race against Mike Pusley, Barbara Canales

Canales and Pusley are in the final stretch for the top spot in the county. Both hope to garner enough votes to edge out the other in this seemingly tight race.

Corpus Christi (KIII News) — With the midterm election day set for Nov. 6, early voting continues in the Coastal Bend with one of the hottest local races being the Nueces County Judge.

Former County Commissioner Mike Pusley and Port Commissioner Barbara Canales appear to be in a tight battle to fill the seat that Judge Loyd Neal is leaving behind.

Voters Guide: November 2018 General Elections

"Thank you, you bet," Mike Pusley said

"Hi very nice to meet you," Barbara Canales said.

Canales and Pusley are in the final stretch for the top spot in the county. Both hope to garner enough votes to edge out the other in this seemingly tight race.

"This is what we've worked so hard for its what our team has worked hard for all year long. is to prepare for voter turnout," Canales said.

"We made a conscious decision that we were not gonna be a party that threw, that cast the first stone if you will," Pusley said.

The race for County Judge has been free of finger pointing and mudslinging with the candidates focusing more on the issues and experience.

"I have nine years of elected experience and background at the county courthouse, and that's what I'm doing I'm talking about my record and my accomplishments as county commissioner, and I've got enough of that without having to talk about anything ugly about anybody else," Pusley said.

"I think the biggest issue is the fiscal issues. Our house is not in good shape. We need to create greater sources of revenue, and our taxes are too high they just had to increase our taxes because we are broke," Canales said.

When it comes to campaign finances, open records check shows both candidates have raised close to the same amounts -- Pusley just over $127,000 and Canales was over $136,000.

Both candidates have spent almost equal amounts with nearly the same amount of campaign money on hand.

When it comes to how much candidates have used, there's a stark difference. As of Oct. 9 Pusley's reports, he has more than $224,000 in outstanding loans, and Canales said hers is at zero.

"It's been very expensive, and I knew that was going to be true from the very beginning. We'll spend significantly north of 200-thousand dollars in advertising and expenditures for this race," Pusley said.

"We have used half of those funds on television, on the radio, on printed mail pieces, social media," Canales said. "So I know I need to appeal to them differently because the voter is from 18 into their hundreds.

Early voting continues until Nov. 2. Election Day is Nov. 6.

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