COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and challenger Zach Klein are eagerly awaiting the results of the first contested race for the office in 16 years.

O’Brien said the key issue in the race is experience. O’Brien was first elected in 1996 and easily reelected four times. He points to Klein’s lack of courtroom experience as the number one reason voters should reject him.

“I had tried more cases before I graduated from law school than Mr. Klein has in his entire legal career,” O’Brien said during a debate last week.

Klein is campaigning on the idea that the prosecutor’s office should be more engaged in the community and addressing issues like drug treatment and helping to find jobs for people being released from jail.

Klein has served in Columbus City Council since 2011 and currently serves as City Council’s President.