This election is already a week in the bag, but the candidates in Hamilton have been slugging it out for a while. A quick snap shot of the city: Niagara West Glanbrook A rural riding, and since re-distribution, a Tory stronghold. Dean Allison has been nearly omni-present in the riding since his victory in 2004 and shows no signs of stopping. Put this one solidly in the Conservative fold.  Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale Hamilton’s other rural riding and once again, a virtual Tory stronghold. The more urban area’s of Westdale, which is home to McMaster University, should be a toss-up for the NDP and Liberals, but the rural areas of the riding are key, and should reward Tory incumbent David Sweet once again. Hamilton Centre Another stronghold, but this time, and NDP stronghold. Hamilton Centre is perhaps tied with Windsor West as the safest NDP seat in Ontario. Another Christopherson victory in the works. But, this is where the easy predictions stop and the real fights begin…. Hamilton East – Stoney CreekIn this riding, we have Wayne Marston, who eeked out a narrow victory over Tony Valeri in 2006 and is hoping to retain the seat. His only problem is that he is facing off against former Hamilton mayor Larry Di Ianni, who by all accounts has a strong organization behind him and is ready to do battle against the local NDPers. This one will be a nail biter come election night. Hamilton Mountain Another nail-biter. Here we have NDP incumbent Chris Charlton facing a strong challenge from local employment lawyer Tyler Banham. From the first week, it seems clear that Banham has the edge organizationally and is winning the sign war. Once again, a riding to watch and a real battle shaping up.   Â