Indy Mayoral Hopefuls Ramp Up Rhetoric

INDIANAPOLIS -- The final stretch run for Indianapolis mayoral hopefuls had both candidates pressing the flesh with prospective voters before Election Day.

Marion County Democrats held a pre-election rally and walk Saturday morning, canvassing local neighborhoods in a get-out-the-vote effort.

Mayor Bart Peterson was at the event to thank and rally party volunteers.

"You will never see us standing together with those who say this city has no future, because this city has a bright and beautiful future," Peterson said. "Together, we're going to lead Indianapolis forward."

Republican challenger Greg Ballard also hit the streets Saturday in an effort to drum up last minute support.

Ballard walked from house to house on the city's north side, telling voters and members of the media that he feels good about Tuesday.

"We want to take the city in a different direction. I think we've said that pretty clearly about what we want to do on crime and taxes," Ballard said. "We've been very specific about that, and I think that's why people should vote for us."

Ballard recently attacked Peterson for taking the campaign negative. Peterson's camp said Ballard failed to report a large campaign contribution.