Voters will have a chance to hear the candidates speak out on the issues rather than launch verbal attacks on their opponents.

It is coming Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on News Center 7.

The 2010 Miami Valley Candidates Preview will feature people running for statewide office as well as local candidates for Congress.

The candidates were provided with up to five minutes to speak without editing or interruption about the issues of interest to them and to voters in their district.

The program comes just as candidates for all offices are making their final push before Election Day. The polls will be open from 6:30a.m. to 7:30p.m. on Tuesday.

News Center 7, WHIOTV.COM, 1290 WHIO Radio and the Dayton Daily News will team up to provide in-depth live coverage of the election with reporters across the region.

The closest high-profile race of the night may be the contest for Ohio Governor. Recent polls show the race too close to call, with only a few percentage points between incumbent Ted Strickland and challenger John Kasich.

Kasich had the advantage in independent polls, with the most recent survey showing the former Congressman is ahead by just two points.

On Friday, Strickland released the results of his own internal polls showing he leads Kasich by as much as five points.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com