Is WNY Feeling Blue?
Sean Carroll
13 WHAM
Apr 11, 2008
Life in Western New York’s Congressional Districts is going to be very interesting this campaign season. Thanks to two major retirements, and one hotly contested rematch, Democrats are eyeing a possible takeover of three traditionally Republican seats.
So many candidates, or “rumored candidates” remain in the mix for two of these seats, but here’s the breakdown by district.
28th District: Louise Slaughter, Democrat
Don’t expect much of a change here, Slaughter has held this seat for two decades and currently Republicans don’t have anyone to challenge her. However, Monroe County GOP Chairman Steve Minarik said perhaps it’s time for voters to look at her incumbency with a bit more thought. “I'm not sure we've gotten a good bang for our buck out of Congresswoman Slaughter.” Until a formidable opponent surfaces though, this seat’s likely to stay blue.
29th District: Randy Kuhl, Republican
Kuhl’s going to be defending his seat for the third time, but this time that means fending off Democratic challenger Eric Massa who nearly upset Kuhl in 2006. This district is often seen as a “Southern Tier” seat that has gone to a Republican since the pre-Amo Houghton days. Expect a fierce battle in the 29th this time around.
25th District: Jim Walsh, Republican
Walsh’s retirement leaves this seat up for grabs and Democrat Dan Maffei is the early front-runner. Maffei lost a close race to Walsh in 2006 and his return is likely to bring the overwhelming support of Democrats from Webster to Syracuse. Republicans appear to be searching for the best competitor, and Minarik says NY State Assemblyman Bob Oaks of Wayne County and former Onondaga County Legislature Chairman Dale Sweetland are likely to get his endorsement. Manlius village trustee Mark-Paul Serafin and David Gray of Syracuse (a Ron Paul supporter) are other Republicans who have expressed interest in running. Keep in mind, while Maffei holds a considerable advantage from the outset, an overwhelming endorsement from Walsh could give any GOP candidate a fighting chance.
26th District: Tom Reynolds, Republican
Reynolds retirement, like Walsh’s, shocked many. It also opened the door for Democrats to steal this seat too. Democrat and Iraq war veteran Jon Powers has the endorsement of most county chairs. Democrat Jack Davis has vowed to spend millions in his third run at this seat. Erie County lawyer Alice Kryzan is another Democrat in the race, and Erie County’s clerk Kathy Hochul is rumored to be interested by must move into the district first. Republican candidates are also lining up to replace Reynolds. Another Iraq war veteran, David Bellavia, is one candidate who’s making news. Minarik says Republicans will meet this weekend to decide whether to endorse Rick Lewis (of Talking Phone Book) or businessman Christopher Lee; both of Erie County. As with the 25th District, a key endorsement and active campaigning from Reynolds could give any of these Republicans a chance here.