During the last day of campaigning before today's final elections, Eighth Congressional candidates yesterday finished the campaign in the way they started.

Michael A. Capuano ended the race with his supporters; Capuano's opponents, meanwhile, wrapped up their campaigns with little commotion, handing out flyers and posting signs.

Support in Somerville

On a busy Somerville road last night, over 100 Capuano supporters pounded signs into the pavement as passing cars honked loudly.

Weaving among the Capuano for Congress signs was Capuano himself, the race's frontrunner, shaking hands and slapping the backs of his supporters.

No polls have been conducted in the Eighth, but Capuano is widely considered the top choice.

In the Democratic primary, he emerged from a field of 10 to win by a margin of 4,500 votes.

In the mostly Democratic Eighth, even Capuano's opponents concede the race is largely over.

"Obviously, we already know that one chances of winning are very, very slim, said independent candidate Anthony A. Schinella.

Schinella and Republican candidate Philip Hyde III took similar routes yesterday as they finished campaigning, passing out leaflets and doing stand-outs with a few campaign volunteers.

But Capuano's last day of campaigning differed greatly.

With more money and a volunteer base of approximately 500 to 600 people, Capuano's campaign has been much more visible throughout the race.

The campaign broke down the district's sections into manageable pieces, with field workers and volunteers moving through each.

They rallied support through leafleting, door-dropping and stand-outs.

"We go out and convince people that this man is the right man," said Chelsea coordinator Paul R. Nowcki, who is also Chelsea's councillor-at-large. "We make sure you do your homework, and you know where your candidate stands."