Dan Liedka Doesn't Need No Stinking Endorsements

As the Republican primary in the 49th State Senate District continues, Republicans in Albany have made it clear that their choice is candidate Andrew Russo. The other Republican candidate, Dan Liedka, is unfazed by the endorsement and has made it clear that there is another endorsement that he doesn’t want: that of the SEIU. Liedka declined an invitation for an interview by the special interest union, pointing out the fact that they are part of the problem in Albany. The incumbent Democrat, Dave Valesky, is expected to receive the SEIU’s endorsement.

Kathleen Joy is Running for State Senate

A Democrat has finally entered the race to oppose Senator John DeFrancisco. County Legislator Tom Buckel turned down the opportunity earlier this year, but Kathleen Joy, a Syracuse Common Councilor-at-Large, is willing to take up the challenge. Joy announced that she would be joining the race last week and received the endorsement of her party on Sunday. Her campaign is already off to a rough start. The coverage of her announcement was less than favorable, as are most of the comments posted on her own website. As I write this post, more than a week after her entry into the race, her Facebook page has a grand total of three fans. There is a lot of time between now and the November election. Kathleen Joy is going to need it if she hopes to knock off the popular Senator.

A Green Governor?

For those of you out there who were wondering what perennial candidate Howie Hawkins would be running for this year, wonder no more. Howie has made his intentions known. His eyes are on the big prize this fall: the Governor’s Mansion. Watch the video of the announcement below.

The likelihood of Howie’s quest to be Governor of New York State being successful is basically zero. A third party candidacy isn’t going to cut it in a statewide race this year, especially in a race that Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is expected to dominate. Howie’s goal, however, is not a lost cause. If Mr. Hawkins can manage 50,000 votes statewide on the Green Party line as a gubernatorial candidate, the Green Party will remain on the ballot for the next four years, making it easier for Green Party candidates to gain ballot access in other races throughout the state. Just to remind everyone, Howie received more than 50,000 votes on the Green Party line when he ran for U.S. Senate, so his ability to solidify the Green Party’s position on the ballot is not out of the question. We wish him well.

More Confusion in NY-29

The state of the race in New York’s 29th congressional district is cloudier today than it was two weeks ago. Though the Democrats have settled on a candidate, Matthew Zeller, a young former CIA employee, it may be a moot point. The candidate selection process undertaken by the Democrats only serves in the case of a special election. Governor Paterson has not called for a special election and continues to appear unlikely to do so. Without a special election, the contest will go on as planned, with a September primary and the general election in November. If a special election is called, Zeller will be the Democrat candidate, however if there is no special election, there will be a primary that is open to other candidates. Support from the party establishment may help Mr. Zeller in a primary, but does not guarantee victory, if other, potentially stronger candidates, join the race.

The single Republican candidate in the race, Tom Reed, has been calling for a special election since the seat became vacant. As he should. A special election would certainly favor him over Zeller, who is currently an unknown in the district. A November general election would give Zeller more time to introduce himself to voters and have the added benefit of being able to run on the same ticket as Andrew Cuomo, who Democrats hope will carry them to victory this fall up and down the ballot.

Another important thing to remember, which sometimes even slips my mind, is that even if a special election occurs, there will still be a September primary and November general election, as the special election would only fill the remainder of the current term, not the next full two-year term.

More Clarity in NY-23

The contest in New York’s 23rd congressional district is starting to shake out. A few different events in the last two weeks have clarified the state of the race. Matt Doheny, a Republican, has announced that he will be joining the race (video below) and was endorsed by the Oneida County Republican Committee. Additionally, Franklin County Legislator Paul Maroun decided not to seek the seat, leaving Doheny to battle former Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman in a GOP primary.

With Maroun out, and a primary in place, the focus turns to the fundraising capability of the two Republican candidates. Without the national spotlight, Doug Hoffman seems to be falling behind, as Doheny posts the biggest take of all candidates, including incumbent Democrat Bill Owens. The eventual Republican nominee will face Owens in November.