With the seat of ousted City Councilman Vinny Palermo staring on—it’s been nearly five months now—the five finalists for the South Omaha seat made their public pitch for the job Thursday.

[View our full video report above]

Two of the five, Republicans: Terri Blackburn and Rebecca Barrientos-Patlan.

Blackburn, upset with a report in the Omaha World-Herald, noting she’s the social media manager of an Omaha church led by a heavily pro-Trump pastor.

Terri Blackburn (R): “I'm being attacked for my religion and where it is that I choose to go and worship. And you know I'm not ashamed to say that I love God and that my Lord and savior is Jesus Christ. And I believe that that's part of where I get my heart for people, and my love for people and wanting to help.”

Barrientos-Patlan, who ran against Palermo and lost, talked up her South Omaha roots and called for better times.

Rebecca Barrientos-Patlan: “It was beautiful growing up. It was vibrant growing up and I watched it turn into a ghost town. That was sad to see. The revenue isn't there, the funds aren't there. I want it vibrant, again."

The two Republicans running politically uphill, in District Four 46 percent of the voters are Democrats, 25 percent Republican, and 26 percent Independent. Potentially more critical, it’s 53 percent Hispanic.

Ethnicity shared by only one of the three Democrats.

Erik Servellon (D): “There is an opportunity here to appoint the first ever Latino- American council person and that's an awesome opportunity and one not to be dismissed.”

The other two Democrats stressed their public service chops.

Retired police officer Garry Gernandt spent 16 years on the council.

Garry Gernandt (D): “This is a full-time job for part time pay. I found that out shortly after my first oath, my second oath, my third oath, and my fourth oath. Allow me to show you what a fifth oath can do.”

Ron Hug (D): “I sit on the Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors. I'm sure you get tired of hearing me saying that. The city council, as members you're running a marathon, and Metro Board we're doing a slow walk. I can get up to speed because I already have that groundwork in place.”

The judges, three council Democrats and three Republicans.

Joe Jordan, NCN: “How do you find consensus, among these five?”

Pete Festersen, City Council President (D): “I think we are all just interested in filling the seat with someone who can be attentive to District Four right away, but also be mindful of citywide issues at the same time.”

One of the three Democrats worked to downplay those politics.

Erik Servellon: “I am not here to throw any ideological grenades. I am idealistic and progressive in my ideals but I'm pragmatic in my methods.”

Joe Jordan: “How many ballots do you think it will take to make that decision?”

Pete Festersen: “I’m not sure yet, hopefully we’ll get some consensus."

The council votes Tuesday.