Candidates in the special election to replace former state Senator Michael Balboni (R) have hit the ground running.

Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY) created the opening when he appointed Balboni as head of the state's homeland security department. With a slim 33 to 28 majority in the state Senate, Republicans have pinned their hopes on former assemblywoman and current Nassau County Clerk Maureen O'Connell (R). A registered nurse, O'Connell received the endorsement of a major health care union Tuesday.

Faced with a rare opportunity to pick up a seat from the right, Democrats nominated Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington). Johnson quickly accepted Spitzer's endorsement and has tied his campaign to the proposals of the new governor's administration. Both candidates have highlighted a need to reign in rising property taxes.

With about 7,000 more registered Democrats and 40,000 unaffiliated voters in the 7th Senate District, O'Connell and Johnson plan to fight hard for every last vote. The special election is scheduled for February 6 and the pair will face off in a News 12 Long Island debate February 1 at 8:30 p.m.