Cast votes in primaries
Local primary elections don't always generate a lot of interest, but in Fulton County this year, the level of enthusiasm is high, especially for Democrats. People registered to vote in the Democratic and Republican parties will make important decisions in strongly contested races.
In the race for Congress in the 21st District, which includes Montgomery County and the Glove Cities, Democrats Paul Tonko, Tracey Brooks, Phil Steck, Darius Shahinfar and Joseph Sullivan will compete for the Democratic Party nomination. The winner will face either Jim Buhrmaster or Steven Vasquez, depending on the outcome of the Republican primary. Tonko has local name recognition. He's a longtime local assemblyman and an Amsterdam native. The candidates are vying to replace U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty, who didn't seek re-election.
In a state Senate primary race, Bahram "BK" Keramati of Galway and Fred Goodman of Niskayuna will compete for the Democratic Party nod to run against incumbent Sen. Hugh T. Farley, R-Niskayuna. Farley's 44th District includes Fulton and Montgomery counties.
Perhaps the most intense primary race in Fulton County is for a position few people think about. Four Democrats are vying to represent the county Democratic party on the state Democratic Committee. The incumbents, Marilyn Cornell and Edmund Jasewicz, are facing a challenge from fellow Fulton County Democratic Committee members Robert Schultz and Rosemary Leo-Pappas. Representatives on the state committee act as liaisons between county committee members and the state.
The local Democrats' committee race is connected to an effort by some county Democrats to energize the party. The county committee has many vacancies. Democrats are hoping to fill them and, in turn, strengthen the party. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by a roughly 2-1 ratio in the county.
We're pleased to see an increase in activity among the Democrats. The result ultimately could be more choices for voters in general elections, which would be good for democracy on the local level.
Meanwhile, in Caroga, three Republicans, Robert Kane, Ralph Ottuso and James Selmser, will run against each other for their party's nomination for town supervisor. The winner will face Democrat Ronald McLain in the general election.
The primary races are scheduled for Tuesday. Registered Democrats and Republicans should participate in the vote. These elections indeed are significant.
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Excelsior
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09-08-08 8:20 AM
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So Jasewicz and Cornellvhave established firm contacts and have a "rapport" with state officials. If this is so, how is it that Sen. Schumer, a Democrat, comes to G'ville to tour the new YMCA and nobody is informed. We have to read about it in the next day's paper. Was he even greeted by representatives of the Committee or was no respect paid - like his visit to the Industrial Park?
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StevenVasquezSupporter
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09-08-08 7:40 AM
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Well, hopefully everyone can figure it out...
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StevenVasquezSupporter
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09-08-08 7:38 AM
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I did not realize that the web link information would be removed. The stars should e replaced by "****" ""at the beginning and "****" at the end.
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StevenVasquezSupporter
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09-08-08 7:37 AM
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For more information about the candidates, Bob Cudmore's interviews with the seven candidates for the 21st U.S. congressional district are linked at the Daily Gazette: ***********dailygazette****/weblogs/bcudmore/2008/aug/29/congressional-candidate-interviews/ Also, each of the candidates has a web site that (hopefully) details the issues that they believe are most important in this race: ***********stevenforcongress**** ***********jimbuhrmaster****/ ***********traceybrooks**** ***********dariusforcongress**** ***********philsteck**** *******journals.aol****/lonerangeralbany/lonerangeralbany/entries/2008/05/30/sullivan-for-congress-21st-district/1234 ****paultonkoforcongress2008****/ Upstreamzine has a lengthy interview with Steve Vasquezs: *******upstreamzine.wordpress****/2008/08/11/interview-with-21st-congressional-district-candidate-steven-vasquez-part-one/
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Discobulous
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09-07-08 10:41 AM
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I agree that Jasewicz & Cornell are the best candidates, but I'd soooo like to send Schultz to Albany - or anywhere but here. What a dilemma.
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RobinWentworth
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09-07-08 8:26 AM
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(cont) While I would agree that choice is good as well as change when something is not working. In this case change is not necessary because the incumbents have done an outstanding job and have the experience that is needed to continue to build the Democratic party in Fulton County. The other two candidates not only have NOT attended Fulton County Democratic Committee meetings in the past year and a half, they have chosen to become involved with the newly formed Women's Democratic group, who not only include people other than womem, but they include people other than Demoocrats. As registered Democrats, if you want your issue and concerns address on the state level, vote for Marily Cornell and Ed Jasewicz on Tuesday September 9th.
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RobinWentworth
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09-07-08 8:19 AM
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"Perhaps the most intense primary race in Fulton County is for a position few people think about. Four Democrats are vying to represent the county Democratic party on the state Democratic Committee. The incumbents, Marilyn Cornell and Edmund Jasewicz, are facing a challenge from fellow Fulton County Democratic Committee members Robert Schultz and Rosemary Leo-Pappas. Representatives on the state committee act as liaisons between county committee members and the state." Marilyn Cornell and Ed Jasewicz are the best choice for state committeemen because they have and continue to work hard to build the Fulton Co Dems Committee by recruiting and supporting local Dems and candidates. They can also be credited for bringing numerous state candidates to this county to meet & greet local Dems. They have done an outstanding job to bring our county issues to the state level and with forming important relationships with state representatives in order to address those county issues. (
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