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GREENSBORO - If the race for the District 59 seat in the N.C. House of Representatives seems familiar, that's because it is.

And if it seems different, that's because it is.

So say both candidates.

The ballot shows Democrat Maggie Jeffus, an eight-term incumbent, facing Republican challenger Jim Rumley - for the third consecutive election cycle.

Same old same old?

Hardly.

"I think it's unique in a way," Jeffus said. "This is a very different race because of this presidential race. There are a lot of interested voters out there, and there are so many new registered people. A lot of young people, in particular, are excited about going to the polls. I have two interns from UNCG, and I know firsthand they're both very excited about this election."

The national presidential race between John McCain and Barack Obama guarantees a bigger voter turnout than 2006, when Jeffus won with 59.8 percent of the vote.

"The turnout can have some impact on local elections," Rumley said. "I think whoever wins statewide can impact local races up to 10 percent. I'm confident in my party. I think McCain-Palin's going to win, and (Pat) McCrory's going to win (for governor), and that all could have an impact in other races."

Democrats hold a nearly

2-to-1 edge over Republicans among registered voters in District 59. But there are nearly as many unaffiliated voters (12,622) as Republicans (15,537), adding intrigue to the race.

Rumley hopes to court those voters with a message of fiscal conservatism and change.

"I think this time there's a lot more support from people looking for something different," Rumley said.

"The citizens of this district deserve someone who will take a stand. (Jeffus) is one of the longest-serving members in the General Assembly, she co-chairs a couple of important committees, and you never hear from her," Rumley said.

"It seems like it's always the other representatives in the delegation who are heard. Even when she's in a leadership position, she doesn't make herself known. She's done some good things for the arts and for teachers, but governing the state is about more than the arts and teachers," he said

Jeffus said her record speaks for itself and seniority has helped her earn spots on key committees, including a share of the appropriations chairmanship. She said her experience and seniority helped get funding for the nanoscience school in Greensboro, a venture of N.C. A&T and UNCG.

"Once it's up and running, it could bring more good jobs," Jeffus said. "Our state already has the Research Triangle, and I think this could be a step toward the Research Triad."

A retired teacher, Jeffus said education and economic issues go hand in hand.

"Everything is tied together, and it starts with education," she said.

"When business people are looking at our state or at Guilford County, the first question they ask is 'What kind of education system is there?' If they're going to put their business here, they want to know their potential employees are well educated, and that includes high schools and community colleges as well as (four-year) colleges."

Rumley, who was on the board of directors of Summit Credit Union for 18 years, likes being called a fiscal conservative. "Oh, very much so. If I don't have the money, I don't spend it. I'm not going to raise taxes, I'm not going to raise fees. I'm going to curb spending," he said. "If we have the opportunity to audit every single department in the state over next 10 years, I'm sure we can find enough money in the budget to not raise taxes for the next 10 years."

Contact Jeff Mills at 373-7024 or jeff.mills@news-record.com