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.

Behling Decides Not to Run

Republican Eric Behling has announced that he will not challenge St. Lawrence County Clerk Patty Ritchie for the Republican nomination to take on incumbent State Senator Darrel Aubertine. Aubertine is a Democrat and a top GOP target this year (just like every other election cycle).

No Special Election, Says Paterson

It looks like there won’t be a special election in NY-29 after all. Governor Paterson, citing the cost of holding an election, appears unlikely to call for one, which means that the winner of this congressional race will be determined in November, along with all of the other races taking place this year. Republican Tom Reed is quite unhappy about this decision. Meanwhile, two of the remaining Democrat prospects in the race have left, continuing the long exodus. Assemblyman David Koon and Paterson aide Mary Wilmot have removed themselves from consideration. Democrats will supposedly be selecting a candidate over the weekend.

DeSpirito Formally Backs Levy for Governor

To follow up on an earlier post, Onondaga County GOP Chairman John DeSpirito is now officially backing Democrat-turned-Republican Steve Levy for New York State Governor. No surprise. It was very clear that the fix was in when DeSpirito stood with Levy and State GOP Chairman Ed Cox at Levy’s announcement that he was joining the race. DeSpirito originally supported Erie County Executive Chris Collins, who never took the plunge, before endorsing Rick Lazio two months ago.