In what one campaign staffer called the closest Senate race in the county, candidates Mike DeWine and Sherrod Brown are now engaged in a full-scale political war over national security.

Their ads are so dramatic, they've transcended television and are now among the most popular video on YouTube.com.

Three national polls found homeland security to be among the most important issues to voters this year. Sen. DeWine (R-Xenia) said his opponent's record on the issue is fair game for TV.

"The way you campaign is you tell people where you stand, what you've done. But, you also tell people about the person you're running against and what they have done," DeWine said.

Rep. Brown (D-Avon) counterattacked, saying the Senate is failing to protect America.

"We have tried to get the president to put more homeland security funds into protecting our nuclear facilities, our water systems, our chemical plants," Brown said.

The two are also attacking the other's decisions on homeland security issues inside the capitol.

Brown said DeWine has wasted his valuable seat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, whereas DeWine said Brown has denied law enforcement "the tools they need."

Homeland security is just the latest front in the very close race, and many expect the campaign to intensify as the election approaches.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing election coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Scott MacFarlane, NEWS9