EAST PROVIDENCE — It’s a battle between the familiar, the endorsed and the underdog.

Tuesday’s Senate District 18 contest is also one of the most anticipated Democratic races in East Providence and possibly the state. It is the seat being vacated by Paul Moura, who is not seeking reelection.

Mayor Isadore S. Ramos, one of the three primary contenders, sits in his car at a stoplight yesterday and motorists drive dangerously close to shout “Good Luck,” and “You’ve got my vote.” The popular resident has taught and served as an administrator in the district for decades before running successfully for spots on the School Committee and City Council.

Opponent Frank A. DeVall Jr. is also well known and has the endorsement of the city Democratic Committee. The former Martin Middle School principal, now an assistant principal in Central Falls, is a newbie to politics, but believes a “fresh face” could help.

And then there’s Joseph A. Botelho Jr., the self-proclaimed underdog who doesn’t have many signs on residents’ lawns. Yet the local Red Realty owner has experience. He served on the City Council for six years in the 1980s.

All three say they know and respect each other. They also say they don’t have any agenda other than helping East Providence and the state. The winner faces Republican Marcel Robert and Lynn Vargas, an independent, in November’s general election.

“The people will determine who gets that seat,” Ramos, 71, said yesterday while campaigning door-to-door in the Kent Field Park area. Although endorsed when he ran previously for local offices, Ramos was not surprised when he didn’t get the Democrats’ nod. “This is the punishment [the party] gave me for not voting the way they wanted.”

The mayor is talking about his deciding vote this year to appoint Anthony Carcieri, an independent, to the School Committee. He didn’t side with the Democrats on the council and broke the tie. The Democrats now no longer have the majority on the school board.

“Sometimes it gets really disappointing when people challenge me, but it [the pressure to vote against Carcieri] was against what I stand for: integrity and fairness.”

He continued, “When my opponent [DeVall] says he wants to give back to the city, I’ve been doing that and still do that. I’ve been there. It’s something I have in me. I really, truly care.”

Ramos said the Senate needs someone with those qualities –– fairness, a love for his city, integrity and honest leadership. He also said the city needs someone who can champion for it because East Providence “is not getting its fair share.”

His top three issues and concerns reflect those sentiments. He said the many state school mandates don’t come with money to pay for them and therefore, the funds come from the taxpayers. Ramos also believes the next District 18 senator should come with “the city in mind” first, but knows compromises must be made for statewide issues.

His third concern, the state’s budget, is also one of Botelho’s major issues to focus on. Ramos called the state budget and deficit “critical” while Botelho said the city needs a watchdog to make sure the tax dollars are “being used wisely.”

“There are no heroes up at the State House right now,” Botelho, 49, said, discussing the many squabbles and fights that hinder the elected from making wise decisions. “I don’t care what side they’re on.”

He said when he was on the council in the 1980s, there was a “civility” and people knew each other and had a drink together after meetings. Today, Botelho said, it is more “personal in nature” with city and state officials “fight to the death until they get their way.”

“Townie Pride, it’s time for a comeback,” one of his ads says. Another reads, “Nobody’s man, but yours.”

He said any other attitude needs to be put aside to tackle what he believes needs the most attention, such as the state’s 7.7 percent unemployment rate. He said while the media and state have attributed the rate to the many state workers who are retiring, Botelho believes it’s more than that.

“The perception of the government here is poor and the reality is worse,” he said yesterday while sitting in his Dover Avenue office. “If you’re going to settle your family and business here, you have to know its worth it.”

He said the 25 for-sale signs along Warren Avenue show that many may think settling here isn’t worth it, and when the state says it has a $422 million deficit, the reality solidifies those perceptions.

He said the local and state infrastructure needs attention. The bridges, sidewalks and highways all have to be improved, which DeVall agrees should occur as well. Botelho said some city sidewalks haven’t been touched in decades, while DeVall said the bridges should be inspected just as much as cars need inspections.

“I want to give back,” DeVall said. “I love my city and I’m not going anywhere.”

DeVall says he chose to run for office because being a principal confined him. Being in the Senate will allow him to be a “bigger voice” for the city on multiple issues, such as the deteriorating infrastructure. While at Martin, he said as an example, legislative grants helped rebuild the school’s library. Those grants kept getting smaller with each year that passed and then it disappeared altogether. He said being a “new face” with new ideas may bring some of the money back to the city.

DeVall said he believes people want grant writers locally. He said it could offset the burden education expenses and mandates have put on the taxpayers.

“I’m doing what’s right for Rhode Island and the city,” DeVall, 43, also said. “It’s hard times all over and it’s got to be about nonpartisanship in the General Assembly to improve it all.”

He said that’s one reason why his campaign motto is, “It’s time for a change.”

He said city and state officials also have to make sure the city grows with Providence.

“Providence is going to be the new mecca between Boston and New York,” he said. “We’re on the cusp of something good and with the right people in charge, we can make it happen. I’m out here to be a public servant. I just want to do a better job for the city.”

apina@projo.com