Behind the Scenes Push for Your Vote - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

While the race for President took center stage in the valley -- behind the scenes, workers from both parties plan to win your vote.  Both major political parties realize the stakes in the fall election.  The president of perhaps the most successful Republican "527" committee, claming a success rate of 85 percent in the 2010 elections, gave insights to conservative candidates in Wheeling.

"Governor Romney is but a few miles from us here in Wheeling here today -- says everything you need to know about the importance of the Ohio Valley,"  David Avella, a native West Virginian said.  "It will be not only critical to who wins West Virginia, but also plays a big role in who wins Ohio."

As sunset approached, across town, Democrats worked to build support for their candidate for U.S. Representative in West Virginia's First Congressional District.  Campaign volunteers addressed direct mail flyers asking registered voters for support.  Sue Thorne believes the elderly will drive the issues this time.

"I hear seniors all the time who talk about 'What am I going to do, what am I going to do. What are my kids going to do when they retire,'" Thorne said.  "I think that is a fundamental difference, and I think that's what's going to drive people to the polls."

Thorn also thinks party differences matter.

"I think there has to be a clear difference between what the two parties are providing, and I think this year is a classic example of what the differences are between Democrats and Republicans," she said.  Thorn believes Republicans would increase tax rates on the middle class, privatize social security, and turn Medicare into a voucher program.

Avella doesn't believe political consultants have any particular magic. In the end, success in an election comes down to what Thorn's volunteers, as well as those on Avella's side, do in the weeks leading to election day.

"There's no 'secret sauce,'" Avella said.  "It is having a candidate get their message to voters.  As advisors, your job is to make sure voters are getting to see your candidate and hear the message of your candidate."