Local candidates are embarking on one of the longest federal election campaigns in Canadian history.

On Sunday, Stephen Harper triggered an 11-week election campaign that will carry a higher price tag for taxpayers than a typical 37-day campaign.

Nial Kuyek, the NDP candidate for Regina-Qu’Appelle, isn’t thrilled about the added cost of a longer election period, but said he’s ready for the campaign.

“We are glad that the election is underway. We would have preferred that it be during the regular campaign period,” Kuyek said.

Tom Lukiwski, the incumbent Conservative MP for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre, says time management will be a challenge for candidates during the marathon campaign.

“Quite frankly, I’m more concerned about our volunteers and trying to guard against burnouts,” Lukiwski said.

“Seventy-eight days is a long time and volunteers are the key to any political campaign.”

Veteran Liberal Ralph Goodale, who is running again in Regina’s Wascana riding, says it will be important not to overload people ahead of the Oct. 6 vote.

“Those of us who really want to encourage people to vote and participate in the election… will have to make very sure that the campaign is positive and isn’t a turnoff just because it’s so long,” Goodale said.

Signs are starting to appear on lawns and candidates have begun knocking on doors. University of Saskatchewan political scientist David McGrane thinks people will see more-aggressive attack ads during this campaign.

“My prediction is that probably you’re going to see more of an air war going on during August,” said McGrane.

“You’re going to see parties making investments on how to define their opponents. You’ll probably see some rather nasty advertisements.”

Regina resident Doug Alexander is expecting an “American-style kind of election.”

“I don’t think Canadians are very fond of that,” he said.

Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said he hopes there will be discussion and debate about the importance of infrastructure and supporting growth in cities.

Based on a report by CTV Regina’s Cally Stephanow