Bitter, tense campaign for U.S. House seat on Long Island

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (FOX5NY.COM) - Messages of hate have been directed at both parties in Long Island's first congressional district seen throughout the streets of Suffolk County leading up to the midterm elections.

"It's unfortunate that every single day our opponent is trying to find some way to bring this campaign into the gutter," Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican incumbent, said.

Democratic challenger Perry Gershon is accusing Zeldin of running a campaign of phony lies.

"It's been nonstop lie, after lie, after lie," Gershon said.

Confident he'll walk away with a win, the first-time candidate and businessman rallied a room full of campaigners on Monday.

"We have a president who is trying as hard as he can to divide us," Gershon said. "And our congressman is one of the president's biggest fans in the Congress and doesn't seem to get that he's tearing America apart."

But for his part, Zeldin, who is seeking a third term, said a lot of voters are happy with the direction of the country. He said he is focused on results while he said his opponent is focusing on resistance.

Neither party can agree on issues., But one thing they do have in common is that they're Jewish and claim to have been targets of anti-Semitic attacks.

"We see an economy that's doing great, national security strengthening, our borders being better secured, MS-13 is being defeated," Zeldin said.

"I have an agenda for better healthcare, for gun safety, for women's equality," Gershon said. "At the same time, I'm also a strong believer we're one country and we need to bring ourselves together."

The district has more Registered republicans but a portion of voters are still uncommitted. Between now and Tuesday night, both parties will continue canvassing the community and encouraging everyone to get out and vote.