CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – “We have to gather 1,000 signatures in a week, so it's a challenge and I'm not so sure it's ever been done," said Mike Russo, 43rd Senate seat candidate.

It's going to be an uphill battle for Russo. The former district manager for Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand has less than two weeks to meet his goal. He's canvassing voters in Clifton Park to make up for lost time. If he wants a shot at Joe Bruno's seat, he's got to make his move.

"It takes people to take a people seat. So if you'd be up for signing a petition sheet that would be great," said Russo.

With one signature in the bag, Russo is ready for more.

No one's at one home, so it's onto the next. A fresh face to the democratic process catches the candidate's eye. Having just turned 18 and registered to vote, Sam Rosenzweig lends his signature.

"It feels good. I've been waiting for my 18th birthday so now I can come out and vote and show my opinion and it feels good," said Rosenzweig.

But the pressure mounting against this candidate's 1,000 signature goal. The task at hand has to be rough.

"I don't think there's anything worth achieving in life if there isn't a challenge attached to it. I've been a working person all my life. I've raised two kids as a single parent, working 12 hours shifts as a union president, and I don't mind a challenge,” said Russo.

Russo might be the democratic underdog in this race but he says he has the political experience needed for the job.

"I really look at this as a race of the people. I've been an advocate and represented people most of my life,” Russo said. “People know me and if in fact I am able to win that seat that it will be their seat."

Russo still has a long road of signatures ahead of him, but if he keeps up the momentum, he just might be a top contender against Saratoga Supervisor Joanne Yespen and attorney Brian Premo.