As the race to the 2000 elections enters the home stretch, the candidates running for the 77th district's seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are anticipating an interesting Nov. 7.

Democrat Donald Hahn and Republican incumbent Lynn Herman are on the ballot for the seat, which has been held by Herman since 1983.

In a largely Republican district, Hahn said he knows his work is cut out for him as a Democratic candidate.

"It's certainly an uphill battle," Hahn said.

He added, however, the issues he supports are largely bipartisan and he has acknowledged Democratic shortcomings, which he believes bolstered community support for his campaign.

"I acknowledge that the Democratic Party has its faults too, so by refraining from adopting a holier-than-thou attitude . . . I think the reaction has been favorable," he said.

Hahn said he supports increased state aid to education both on the public school and college levels, eight-year term limits in Harrisburg and limits on campaign finance.

In addition, Hahn said he would fight for the completion of the Eastern Inner Loop, a project that would connect Vairo Boulevard to University Drive. The project has been a long-standing issue in State College because the area crosses three municipalities, which has made consensus difficult, he said.

Most importantly, Hahn said the project's completion would ease traffic congestion on North Atherton Street, something he feels will benefit the community as a whole.

Herman, who spoke with students at last night's Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) meeting, said he is focusing his campaign on legislation that will extend aid to students.

At the meeting, Herman discussed legislation that would extend eligibility for state financial aid to financially eligible students from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to a fifth year.

The bill was unanimously approved by the House Education Committee and the state House of Representatives, Herman said.

He added his work on the house education committee allows him to better address the needs of students.

"I've worked to establish a strong working relationship with student leaders and organizations to help advance (higher education) legislation," he said.

Herman has also sponsored the fraternity sprinkler legislation, which is currently awaiting approval from the state senate.

T.J. Kokolis (junior-political science), and chairman of the Penn State College Republicans said the organization has chosen to endorse Herman's campaign, in part because of his on-campus involvement.

"His views most closely fit the views of our organization," Kokolis said.

As the founder/co-chair of Penn State Forum in Harrisburg, Herman said he believes his work for students at Penn State has shown over the years.

"(The forum) was formed to advance the interests of higher education, Penn State University and university students," he said.

While the April primaries showed Herman to have a significant lead over Hahn, both candidates said the November elections are a different story.

"I think there was very little interest in any election in April. There's been a lot more interest in the campaign lately," Hahn said. "I feel I've made up a lot of ground since the primaries."

Herman agreed and said the general election is "a whole different ball game."