Candidates For Mishawaka Mayor Feeling Confident on Election Day

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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Candidates For Mishawaka Mayor Feeling Confident on Election Day

Incumbent Republican Jeff Rea (left) and Democrat challenger Mike Hayes (right) are running against each other in the race for mayor of Mishawaka. (Tribune photos)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Nov 6, 2007 at 12:24 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2007 at 6:55 PM EST

(WSBT) In the race for mayor in Mishawaka, Mayor Jeff Rea and challenger Mike Hayes spent the day talking with voters.

The last WSBT/South Bend Tribune poll showed Mayor Rea with a 9% lead.

But that's doesn't mean either side is letting up. And Tuesday, Hayes told WSBT News he's optimistic.

From final phone calls to last-minute handshakes — Democrat Mike Hayes made his ultimate push for votes.

"I'm excited, very confident. I like what I'm hearing from folks coming in to vote," said Hayes.

Blocks away, Mayor Jeff Rea was doing the same — one handshake, and yes, even one hug at a time.

"I think the folks I've talked to have been excited about what's going on in Mishawaka. I've heard some nice thoughts about they love what's happening downtown, they're excited to see things going on in their neighborhoods and so it gives me a good feeling and I hope the vote goes our way," said Mayor Rea.

But what will voters think of a controversial article that was heavily advertised, but never ran in the Executive Journal.

It targeted Mayor Rea but was pulled just days before the election because of discrepancies.

"Those who knew the truth have really rallied behind us. I mean I've had more requests for yard signs, more emails, more calls. I mean it could really have a positive effect on us," said Rea.

"I kind of felt as though it might have hurt us a little bit and in fact, one morning I woke up and didn't have a good feeling and I felt we needed to change my television ads,” said Rea.

They're both now hoping voters instead think of the issues.

Mike Hayes says his big push has been property taxes and hopes that is what voters think as they head into the polls.

Mayor Jeff Rea on the other hand says he hopes voters think of economic development and the growth Mishawaka has experienced in the last couple of years.

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