William Jefferson, the incumbent congressman for nearly two decades, is now caught up in what some predict could be the toughest fight of his political career.  On Saturday, Jefferson will go against six other democrats in the race for Louisiana's 2nd District congressional seat -- an area that includes much of Orleans parish, the West Bank, and parts of south Kenner.

"There's no one who can really make the claim of being a front runner," said Edward Chervenak, University of New Orleans political science professor.

Chervenak says Jefferson's legal troubles remain the darkest cloud over his race for Louisiana’s 2nd District congressional seat.

"The big unknown is just how many voters will be willing to overlook his legal issues and cast a ballot for him."

Jefferson has been under federal investigation for the past three years.  In August of 2005, FBI agents raided his Washington, D.C., home only to find $90,000 in the freezer.  Despite the legal mess, Jefferson won re-election a year later.  Since the federal investigation began, Jefferson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.  In 2007, the congressman was indicted on 16 counts of public corruption, complicating his bid for a 10th term in Congress.

"There are plenty of people that, because of his ethical troubles, because of his lack of influence in congress, are just voting for anyone but Jefferson," said Brian Brox, political science professor at Tulane University.

Jefferson’s opposition now includes former New Orleans, news anchor Helena Moreno, Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee, Algiers businessman Troy Carter, New Orleans City Councilman James Carter, state Rep. Cedric Richmond, and former lobbyist and New Orleans mayoral aide Kenya Smith

"A number of candidates still have a chance of making the run off," said Brox.  "Recent polling suggests that only Kenya Smith is really not broken through, doesn't have a good chance in making the runoff -- any of the remainder could make it."

Some voters are hoping for a change, saying it is time for Jefferson to step aside.

"I think it's time for a change,” said New Orleans resident Essence Harris.  "It's time for positive change, someone with new ideas, fresh ideas that may be able to make a difference in the community."

Still, Jefferson maintains a strong and committed base of supporters.

"Regardless of the media and all this negative talk about him, I think he's a good candidate," said New Orleans resident Ernesto Alonzo.  "I mean he's been around, that speaks for itself."

But in the end, it will likely be voter turnout that will make or break Jefferson's future in Washington.

"I think a big voter turnout, Mr. Jefferson benefits.  That means he's mobilized his base," said Chervenak.

But turnout this election is expected to be much like turnout during the last election two years ago, less than 30 percent.  And Jefferson's campaign war chest isn't what it used to be.

"Mr. Jefferson raised $1.3 million dollars in the last election cycle, this time around he's only raised about $200,000," said Chervenak.

Jefferson's television ads, which only hit the air waves recently, seem to be low budget. The incumbent never says a word in them; but the intention is clear: rally the base in hopes of giving a longtime congressman two more years in the nation's capital.

Tomorrow's election is expected to produce a run-off election.  The two prevailing candidates would then face each other on the November 4 ballot.  The winner of that election then goes against other party candidates during a December 6 election.