Republican candidates attempted to convince voters that history will repeat itself if the Democrats are able to reclaim control of New York's upper chamber this election season.

Sen. Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) insists that five years ago, Long Island was denied its fair share when Democrats controlled the state Senate. Republicans say that New York City benefited greatly, but Long Island residents suffered.

"We lost school aid. Our communities were devastated," Martins told News 12.

Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs admits that his party made some mistakes when it had the majority in the state Senate. Voters thought so too, and in 2010 handed control back to the GOP. The Republicans have maintained power ever since. All nine of Long Island's state Senate seats were held by Republicans during the last term.

The GOP has campaigned on the idea that this race is more suburbs vs. city than it is Republican vs. Democrat. Jacobs says that's nonsense, arguing that over the past four years, the Republican-controlled Senate hasn't done much better for Long Island taxpayers.

"We're choking in property taxes based on the schools," said Jacobs.

Meanwhile Democratic state Senate candidates like Adam Haber are trying to reassure voters that they will put the needs of Long Island constituents above all else.