The Obama-McCain presidential race is expected to drive unprecedented numbers to the polls Tuesday, but 87 other state and local races also have a place on the seven-page ballot.

And some political observers note the job performances of local officeholders likely will have more impact on the average citizen than whoever wins the White House.

One of the hottest local races in Lake County is between incumbent Lake County Commissioner Fran DuPey, D-Hammond, who is facing one of the few proven vote-getters among county Republicans -- former Hammond Mayor Duane Dedelow Jr.

DuPey is seeking re-election to her fourth term in office. Dedelow served as mayor from 1992 to 2003.

DuPey is campaigning on the strength of her record and veto last year of a county income tax. Dedelow said he is a proven administrator who would bring true change to a county government now monopolized by Democrats.

County Commissioner Gerry Scheub, D-Schererville, also is running for his fourth term. His competition, Republican Daniel C. Langmesser, is an icon of his party's electoral frustration. Langmesser has never won public office in 28 primary and general election campaigns since 1976.

Nevertheless, Scheub has been going door to door throughout his district, which nearly stretches the length of the county. His Democratic opponent from the spring primary, Tom Shanahan, said he is endorsing Scheub's re-election.

"Gerry is going to need all the help he can get because a lot of people I've talked to said they are going to vote Republican," Shanahan said.

For the North, Calumet, Hobart, Ross, Center and St. John township assessors, this is the campaign season on the brink. The public will get a chance Tuesday to kick them out of office by voting yes on a government consolidation referendum.

State officials who support the referendum argue the job of valuing real estate for taxation purposes would be more efficiently accomplished by one assessor in each county.

Township assessors argue they know their smaller territory better than any county assessor would. They claim their elimination would not result in any cost savings and complain the referendum's language is confusing.

Five Lake Superior Court judges also face retention or rejection by voters.

And a rematch between former Newton County Sheriff Myron Sutton, a Democrat, and incumbent State Rep. Don Lehe, a three-term Republican legislator and farmer from Brookston, could be close. Lehe beat Sutton in 2006 by only 27 votes. Part of Lehe's district is in suburban south Lake County.