Monday, September 27, 2010

AP: Lazio to bow out of race

Breaking news from the Associated Press:

Conservative candidate Rick Lazio says he's withdrawing from the race for New York's governor, avoiding a potential three-way race that would have seriously hurt the chances of the tea party Republican who beat Lazio in the primary.

Lazio tells The Associated Press Monday he wants to continue to influence the race and bring a workable job creation program into a contest he says has devolved into name-calling between Republican Carl Paladino and Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Barie: Hoffman has no chance

The Upstate New York Tea Party's leader, Mark Barie, is leaving little doubt as to where he stands on Doug Hoffman's decision to remain in the race as the Conservative candidate.

This from UNYTEA's website this morning:

"Doug Hoffman doesn’t have an ice cube’s chance in hell of winning this election. A vote for him is a vote for Bill Owens."

I'll be speaking with Mark shortly...

Thursday, September 23, 2010

It’s official: Doheny wins Republican primary

The race for New York’s 23rd Congressional District seat got some much-needed clarity yesterday, with Watertown businessman Matt Doheny officially winning the Republican primary.

As of Thursday afternoon, Doheny held a 743-vote lead over Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman with just 394 absentee ballots left to be counted.

Hoffman has officially conceded the GOP primary, congratulating Doheny on his victory. Hoffman says he’ll remain in the race on the Conservative line.
Doheny had the support of 11 county GOP committees and the endorsement of the Independence Party.

UNYTEA chair reacts to three-way race

The chairman of the Upstate New York Tea Party says he’s not pleased with Doug Hoffman’s decision to remain in the race for New York’s 23rd Congressional District as a third party candidate.

Mark Barie told WNBZ Thursday that Matt Doheny is the clear winner following last week’s GOP primary. UNYTEA backed Hoffman throughout the primary campaign, but its support has wavered since last week’s vote.

“Matt Doheny deserves our congratulations,” he said. “It was a hard-fought campaign; some would say it got a little bit ugly at times. Clearly, the people have spoken and it’s beyond challenge.”

Hoffman concedes GOP primary, will remain in race

As reported by Jon Alexander:

The race for New York’s 23rd Congressional District is officially a three-way contest and the candidates on the right will have to overcome a fractured Republican-Conservative populace.

Doug Hoffman acknowledged Thursday that he had indeed been beaten by Matt Doheny in last week’s Republican primary – but he’s not going away without a fight.

The Hoffman camp confirmed that he will actively campaign and seek the congressional seat while solely appearing on the Conservative Party line.

Statement from Hoffman...

Hoffman's camp released this statement a few minutes ago:

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate for Congress (NY-23), today conceded defeat in the hotly contested GOP Primary for the 23rd Congressional District seat. He announced that he would "keep his word to the New York State Conservative Party and to all those who believe in conservative principles, honesty and integrity" by continuing his race for Congress on the Conservative Party line. In last year's special election Hoffman pulled over 69,500 votes running on the Conservative Party line. Under New York State Election Law Hoffman's name must appear on the November ballot.

Confirmed: Hoffman will stay in race

A spokesman for Doug Hoffman's congressional campaign has just confirmed reports that the Saranac Lake accountant will indeed remain in the race and actively campaign on the Conservative line.

As of today, Matt Doheny has officially defeated Hoffman for the Republican line. But the hopes of the Doheny camp that Hoffman would withdraw from the race and back the Watertown banker will remain unrealized.

Hoffman campaign spokesman Rob Ryan put the massive amount of speculation to bed only minutes ago.

"Yes, he will be actively running on the CP line," Ryan told WNBZ.

The revelation may prove to be a huge windfall for Congressman Bill Owens's reelection bid.

It's official: Hoffman staying in the race

Quick update:

Doug Hoffman's campaign spokesman, Rob Ryan, just told Jon Alexander that Hoffman is in fact staying in the race.

That means voters must choose between Democrat Bill Owens, Republican Matt Doheny, and Conservative Doug Hoffman.

Thoughts?

Looks like a three-way dance...

This just in from the Syracuse Post-Standard:

Tea Party favorite Doug Hoffman will formally concede today to Matt Doheny in the tightly-contested Republican primary for the 23rd Congressional District seat, according to a source close to Hoffman's campaign.

Hoffman plans to stay in the race on the Conservative Party line for the November election, the source said, ignoring calls from Republican leaders to step aside.

What do you think about Hoffman's plans to stay in the race? Is it smooth sailing for Owens from here on out?

Read the rest of the Post-Standard article here.

Polls, polls, and more polls...

Looks like Quinnipiac University and the Siena Research Institute have some explaining to do.

Quinnipiac came out with a poll yesterday showing that tea party Republican Carl Paladino was making huge gains on Democrat Andrew Cuomo in New York's gubernatorial race.

The numbers showed Cuomo with a 49 to 43 percentage point lead over Paladino.

Then, today, Siena answered back with a poll showing a very different race.

Quick NY-23 update...

Watertown businessman Matt Doheny will host a press conference at 4:30 p.m. at his Clinton County campaign office -- which is located at 1 Broad Street, Plattsburgh.

Doheny is expected to discuss the results from last week's Republican primary. In other words, look for the congressional hopeful to declare victory and shift gears to the November general election.

Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman is also expected to make a statement today. His campaign spokesperson, Rob Ryan, emailed my colleague Jon Alexander to confirm that Hoffman will address the primary results.

Will Hoffman remain in the race as the Conservative Party candidate? Or will he drop out and support Doheny?

Stay tuned...

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

WDT calls Doheny the winner

Earlier this week, it appeared as if Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman was closing in on Watertown businessman Matt Doheny in the race for the Republican line in New York’s 23rd Congressional District.

But with a final tally expected today, Doheny has actually widened his lead over Hoffman.

Jude Seymour of the Watertown Daily Times reports that Doheny now enjoys a 796-vote lead over Hoffman; 676 absentee votes still need to be counted.

Even if every absentee ballot goes in Hoffman’s favor, Doheny would still hold the majority.

Barring any major changes, Doheny will appear on both the Republican and Independence lines in this November’s election against Democratic incumbent Bill Owens.

Hoffman does have the Conservative line, but he’s yet to say whether he’ll stay in the race.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Owens secures funding for Plattsburgh airport...

The Democrat representing New York's 23rd Congressional District announced Monday that he's secured a significant chunk of change for a project aimed at enhancing security measures at the Plattsburgh International Airport.

Congressman Bill Owens says a grant totaling $583,000 was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration.

Owens is defending his House seat this November against either Watertown businessman Matt Doheny or Saranac Lake accountant Doug Hoffman -- or both.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Something stinks in Albany... and in your mailbox!

Say what you want about Carl Paladino (and people are saying a lot), but at least he's livening up an otherwise boring gubernatorial election in New York.

Democrat Andrew Cuomo is way out in front in almost every poll, but I don't think Paladino is too concerned.

After all, the pollsters said Tuesday's primary would be too close to call, and Paladino dispatched former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio with relative ease.

Paterson to Paladino: You're not fit for public service

New York Gov. David Paterson apparently doesn't care much for GOP gubernatorial designee Carl Paladino.

Paterson told the Associated Press this morning that the tea party backed Paladino "isn't fit for public service."

Paladino will face Democrat Andrew Cuomo in November following his stunning upset of Rick Lazio in Tuesday's primary.

Barclay to Hoffman, Doheny: Take a deep breath

Here's an interesting release that was issued by a former 23rd Congressional District hopeful and current Republican Assemblyman Will Barclay of Oswego County.

Barclay tells Doug Hoffman and Matt Doheny it's time to take a deep breath and unite in order to defeat incumbent Democrat Bill Owens in November:

With the Associated Press projecting Matt Doheny as the winner in yesterday's Republican primary for Congress in NY-23 - but with Doheny not declaring victory and Doug Hoffman not conceding defeat -- State Assemblyman Will Barclay of Oswego County (R-C-I), a man who only months ago was himself a contender for that nomination, is calling upon both Doheny and Hoffman and their supporters to "take a breather and start thinking about working together for their common objective of defeating liberal Democrat Congressman Bill Owens in November."

Enemies of smart development...

John Warren at the Adirondack Almanack authored a scathing piece this morning that takes aim at individuals he dubs "the cast of opposing smart development."

It's an interesting read and I urge our readers to take a look.

Among the notable figures Warren takes aim at are state Senator Betty Little and Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, as well as Post Star projects editor Will Doolittle.

Gibson opens satellite office in Glens Falls

The Republican challenger to Democratic Representative Scott Murphy in New York's 20th Congressional District is opening a satellite office in Warren County.

This from Chris Gibson's campaign spokesman Dan Odescalchi:

The Chris Gibson for Congress Campaign is pleased to be opening a satellite office in Warren County at 20 Ridge Street in Glens Falls. The campaign would like to invite neighbors and friends in Glens Falls and neighboring towns to visit the office for information about Republican/Conservative Candidate Chris Gibson or to support his campaign for Congress. The office’s official opening will be tomorrow, September 16th.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

It took a few hours, but...

... we've finally got a statement.

Here's what Hoffman's campaign released just a few minutes ago:

"Yesterday was the culmination of a long and hard fought primary. Matt Doheny ran a spirited race and should be commended for his efforts. I also want to thank my supporters for their effort and their resolute belief in the conservative principles I stand for.

"This is still a fluid race. Thousands of absentee and military ballots remain to be counted. There is no clear victor and I would be doing a disservice to my supporters, men and women in uniform and the voters if I did not wait for all votes to be properly counted."

Is silence golden?

It's a few minutes after noon, and still no word from Doug Hoffman's campaign regarding Matt Doheny's apparent victory last night.

The question on everyone's mind is simple:

Will Hoffman drop out of the race and ask his supporters to get behind Doheny?

Or will Hoffman remain in the race as the Conservative candidate, forcing a three-way race that will surely benefit incumbent Democrat Bill Owens?

We in the media are used to waiting for statements from politicians and candidates. But Hoffman's loyal supporters deserve to hear something from their candidate -- especially those who waited patiently into the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

I'll keep you posted...

Schneiderman wants to debate Donovan

State Senator Eric Schneiderman, fresh off his Democratic primary victory for attorney general last night, is already calling for a debate against his opponent, Republican State Island District Attorney Dan Donovan.

Schneiderman wants the debate to focus on cracking down on Wall Street crimes.

This from the Associated Press:

Suggesting that Donovan has proposed relaxing the attorney general's oversight of financial markets, Schneiderman tells The Associated Press he will protect homeowners and consumers "from bad actors" on Wall Street.

He sent a letter to Donovan Wednesday asking for the debate.

Donovan spokeswoman Virginia Lam says they haven't received the letter yet. In campaign statements, Donovan says Wall Street is an important economic generator, and it's important to promote fair markets but not bring cases "simply to get headlines."

Gillibrand not one to waste time...

New York's junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, isn't wasting any time following last night's primary elections.

The Democrat, who was appointed to the seat by Gov. David Paterson after Hillary Clinton's rise to Secretary of State, will square-off with Republican Joe DioGuardi in November.

Gillibrand's campaign staff announced today it will immediately begin airing television ads in western New York.

The ads will hit airwaves this week in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. Gillibrand leads DioGuardi in fundraising and in the polls.

This from the Associated Press:

The ads promote Gillibrand as a reform-minded senator devoted to public transparency. In the ad, Gillibrand says she hasn't been in Washington long, but she has been there long enough to know that things are broken.

Barie none-too-happy with Hoffman campaign...

I present here, in its entirety, a release issued by Upstate New York Tea Party Chairman Mark Barie this morning. To sum it up, Barie isn't pleased with how Doug Hoffman ran his campaign:

Although the results of yesterday’s GOP primary are still unclear, the Upstate New York Tea (UNYTEA) party is moving quickly to organize for the November elections.

“There are less than seven weeks until the November election, and we intend to use that time to reorganize and to make the case to voters that Bill Owens has got to go”, said Mark L Barie, Chairman of UNYTEA.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Too close to call in 23rd CD

First off, check out Jude Seymour's election coverage at the Watertown Daily Times.

Second, my early morning radio bed time is going to keep me from finding out any results on the 23rd Congressional District race.

For now, it's way too close to call. At last check, Doheny was 99 votes behind Hoffman.

Stay tuned tomorrow morning...

Major upset in the works...

Despite polls showing a close race in the GOP gubernatorial primary, Carl Paladino is sitting very pretty with 33 percent of precincts reporting.

Paladino currently enjoys a commanding lead over former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio. He has an eye-popping 68 to 32 percentage point lead as of 10:50 p.m.

It looks like tea party momentum will propel Paladino into a November general election against Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

Another interesting wrinkle: Lazio might not win the Conservative primary against the little known Ralph Lorigo.

Rice holds lead in AG primary...

With 33 percent of precincts reporting, Kathleen Rice holds a fairly safe lead in the race for New York Attorney General.

Rice has 33 percent of the vote as of 10:45 p.m., followed by Eric Schneiderman with 27 percent.

Sean Coffey, Richard Brodsky, and Eric Dinallo have 21, 12 and 7 percent respectively.

This race looks like it's over, so barring dramatic changes Rice will take on Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan in November.

No returns... yet

Okay, I'm heading over to Hoffman's primary headquarters at the Red Fox.

As of 7:52 p.m. I haven't seen returns for any races. That's sure to change soon.

Polls close earlier in New Hampshire, however, and it looks like (tentatively speaking, anyway) the tea party express may gain its first victory of the evening there.

Only a few precincts are reporting, but tea party-backed candidate Ovide Lamontagne is holding a 53 to 30 percentage point lead over GOP and Sarah Palin-backed former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte. Both are angling for the GOP line in this November's U.S. Senate race.

Murphy, Owens unhappy with failure to act on 1099

Here's a quickie that I just penned on the Senate's failure to address the 1099 requirement contained with President Obama's health care overhaul bill:

President Barack Obama gained a political victory this week following a crucial vote to clear the way for a bill aimed at creating a $30 billion government fund to help open up lending for credit-starved small businesses.

Two Republican senators – Ohio’s George Voinovich and Florida’s George LeMieux – joined Democrats to end a GOP filibuster of the bill.

But two North Country congressmen are unhappy that amendments to ease a requirement in the massive health care reform bill weren’t attached to the legislation.

Two hours and counting...

Hey all -- just checking in briefly with some election updates...

I'll be at the Red Fox in Saranac Lake this evening, hunkering down with Doug Hoffman's camp to await ballot returns. Jon Alexander is in Watertown with Matt Doheny's team.

We'll both report back to you as soon as we have results. You can listen for updates on AM 920 and 1240 WNBZ and ROCK105. Listen in after polls close at 9 p.m.

You can also listen live here.

Or, follow along on this blog for updates from both Jon and me.

If you haven't voted yet, get movin'.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Slow down...

Members of the media -- including Jon and myself at WNBZ -- have been acting like feverish sports writers this week following Doug Hoffman's revelation that he'll remain in the race for New York's 23rd Congressional District, even if he loses to Matt Doheny in a Sept. 14 GOP primary.

Here's what I mean:

When an athlete, perhaps a wide receiver for an NFL team, indicates he's upset about not getting enough touches, the sports media generally takes that to mean the wideout is ticked at his quarterback.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Hoffman's strategy: childish or brilliant?

The question has finally been answered. If Doug Hoffman loses to Matt Doheny in the GOP primary later this month, he'll remain in the race on the Conservative line.

At last night's debate between the two would-be Republican challengers to Democratic incumbent Bill Owens, the Saranac Lake accountant finally answered the question that has been swirling for months.

“People think that I’m the spoiler because I’m not going to get out of the race. People that get the Conservative line, have to stay on the Conservative line once they take it,” Hoffman said. “The spoiler in this race is Matt Doheny because he is trying to get the Republican line, knowing very well that he can’t get the Conservative line.”

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1-- closing statements

Closings:
MD:
"We agree on pretty much everything."
The choice is who can actually beat Bill Owens on November 2nd.
Clear choice. It's me.
Doug's a good man, but he can't win.
"Worst thing in the world on November 3 is getting up and realizing the house and Senate are still in Democratic hands.

DH:
"Matt's right. Do have a choice.
"Choice is, who do you want as next Congressman?"
I've been here for 40 years, working through problems and creating jobs.
"I'm the only real conservative in this race."
I stood up for conservative values last year when GOP picked someone who wasn't a real conservative.
Had 70,000 votes last year and they will turn out this year.

Smoke Break!!!!!!

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

Q17: To Hoffman
Why not debate in Western portion of district? What are you afraid of?

DH:
Nothing. We are hear debating and another one next week.

MD:
Doug, didn't answer the question. "Yield my minute?"
"I will debate anytime, no scheduling conflict."
"I'll be in SL next week. Hopefully it's not in your back yard."
Big district. But only debate in one region. "Flat out outlandish."
"not fair to those people."

Q18: To Hoffman
How to retain young professionals?

DH:
have to boost economy.
Broadband.

MD:
Need infrastructure and right policies.
Have great universities. "Greatest resources, human beings."

Q19: To Hoffman
Will you stay in if lose the primary?

DH:
"I will win the primary." Way ahead, going to fight like I'm losing.
Doheny didn't get the Conservative line.
"People say I'm the spoiler, but it's known that once on the Conservative line, can't get off it."
"Matt's the spoiler, not me."

MD:
I supported the nominee last time. I lived up to my word.
Was the first called about the Conservative line last year. Turned it down.

Q20: To Hoffman
The poll you cite was done by your campaign. If you do not win the primary and remain on a third line, how do you justify pulling votes from the GOP and hand it to Bill Owens?

DH:
"My objective is to get Bill Owens out of office."
"The people have rallied around me."
"These are the same people doing my polls last year. They were right on last year and no reason not to think they are right on this year."
"I have been meeting with the people, not the party bosses. That's why I'm 32 percent ahead."

MD:
The only poll that matters is the voters. "Everything else is irrelevent, if not garbage."
I'm on a third party line too. Don't see me sitting here saying I won't support the GOP line.
He got the Conservative line from one single person who lives in Brooklyn.
"He is backed by the the true party boss."

Q21: To Doheny
How can we sure up the northern border?

MD:
"Drug trade has to be stopped."
"Need the resources. Trust the judgement of the professionals."
"But at the same time, the border provides commerce and economic opportunity. Can't kill the golden goose trying to protect ourselves."

DH:
"My son is a decorated trooper out of Tupper Lake."
"But Matt is also right. We can't hinder trade and movement of goods."
People being detained, citizens and residents.

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

Q10: To Hoffman
Should unions take concessions? Congress take pay raises?

DH:
Absolutely.
Private business can't compete. Unions destroyed Chrysler and Gen Motors.

MD:
Need to cut Congress's pay in half.
Term limits.
End Cadillac pension plans.
"I'm the only one who has signed a no ear mark, pork pledge."
"Create a whole different congress."

Q11: To MD
Say don't like ear marks. But also say would support funding of core issues. Define?

MD:
"I will have a voice during appropriation process. ear marks a the 11th hour are wrong and corrupts Congress."

My opponent has distorted my position.

DH:
I wouldn't
ADE quoted my opponent as saying he would take ear marks while everyone else does.

Q12
: To Doheny
Support of Bush tax cuts. How do your own taxes play in?

MD:
"Higher taxes right now, absolute worst thing."
"Has nothing to do with my own taxes."
Not only support Bush tax cuts, push for more.
Obama, et al, want to tax and sure the job creators.

DH:
"Exactly Matt."
"If tax cuts aren't extended, will collect $1 trillion more from Americans."
"Democrats just don't get it."
"If Bush tax cuts go away, we will kill the businesses in the North Country."

Q13: To Hoffman
Leaving Iraq the right thing? Time table for Afghanistan?

DH:
Still have 50,000 troops in Iraq. If gets worse, have to go back. Right now, looks good. Hopes to God it stays that way.
Need to stay in Afghanistan. Get job done.

MD:
Agree with Doug. Need to get job done.

Back to other issue.
I signed this no pork pledge.
Doug is lining his pockets with his campaign donations.

Q14: To Doheny
How would you rework social security?

MD:
SS needs to remain solvent. Right now, going to go bankrupt.
Must maintain the benefits for eveyone drawing now. But also stay solvent for future.

DH:
agree with Matt.

Back to last comments...
"You know damn well FEC requires this reporting."
Fast and loose with facts."
"People in glass boat houses shouldn't throw stones," "The way you treated those officers was unacceptable."

Q15: To Hoffman
One reason you would vote for your opponent?

DH:
"If I died."
"Matt's a great guy."
"But can't learn the district in just seven months."
"I'm the only conservative in this race."

MD:
"My answer, clearly much kinder than Mr. Hoffman's."
"Just like myself, he is an example of the American Dream."
"Why I lectured you before, don't be a class warfare person."
"I'm from the North Country for God sakes."
grew up here. "Doug can blow off what I've done over the last nine months. But will pay dividends."

Q16: To Doheny
Is the tea party good for America and this district.

MD:
Brought masses out of the doldrums.
"We hit rock bottom when Obama was sworn in."
"You guys will support whoever the GOP winnder is."

DH:
"The silent majority of America is waking up. We're fed up and going to fight back."
Out of control spending, taxes.
"We are America."

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

Q5: To Doheny
2004, two BWIs, 2005 sued for rent evasion. Why should we trust you?

MD:
I brought it to the media, wanted it to be known.
The rent thing was a civil thing. "I assure you, I can pay my rent."
Life is about the sum total of one's record. Raised to work hard.

DH:

Not going to answer that question, but will take a shot.
"You can't learn the entire district in eight months."
"I have struggled with people, I have employed people."
"We all know our kids grow up and they're gone because there aren't jobs."
Community leader;
Olympic Committee, NCCC board, etc.

Q6
: To Hoffman
What can be done to help rural hospitals survive?

DH:
Blasts health care reform bill and reminds crowd Bill Owens supported it.
"Health care bill puts rural health care in jeopardy." Costs too much.

MD:
"I've visited every hospital. My opponent can sit idly by in Lake Placid or Saranac Lake and think that's the right decision."

Blasts "Obama-care." No incentive for rural doctors. Needs to be repealed.

Q7: To Doheny
Stem cell funding?

MD:
"Pres. Bush got it right. Keep working with exisiting lines, but don't use federal dollars."

DH:
"I am the only pro-life candidate for the 23rd district."
"Will fight anything that ends life and stem cell research does that."

Q8: To Hoffman
Why the campaign contribution drop off compared to last year? Why loan yourself money?

DH:
Had dozens of national conservative endorsements.
"We loaned $100,000 last year and this year."
I"m Main Street."
"I don't have friends on Wall Street who can give the max amount and expect favors from Washington."

MD:
"Doug, you got to stop criticizing people for being successful."
"I'm proud of you for being successful."
Why are people giving me money?," "Because I went out and worked. Went town to town, door to door and gained their support."
"They realize I'm the only candidate that can send Bill Owens back to practice law."

Q9: To Doheny
Same-sex marriage?

MD:
State issue.
"Dead set against gay marriage."
"This has been baked into our judeo-christian values and should stay that way."
"Should be dealt with by legislatures, not courts."

DH:
"Marriage should be between a man and a woman."

Back to last question....

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

Q2:To Hoffman
What free market programs would solve the health care issue is reform bill was reformed. Would you eliminate Medicare and Medicaid?"

DH:
Would not repeal Medicaid and Medicare. Too important.
Need more insurance competition. Need to allow for competition across state borders. Need to align individual state requirements.

MD: Rebuttal

Would not eliminate Medicaid and Medicare.
Would come come down on fraud.. Around 10 percent of Medicaid/Medicare goes to fraud.

Need to promote competition across state lines.

"Key issue, cost and keeping and retaining doctors."

Q3: To Doheny
Key to attracting businesses in the easter region of the district.

MD:
The key is proximity to Montreal. Need a border that is safe but allows the free flow of commerce.

Two fundemental things. Have to have the basic infrastructure to bring people here. Need cell phone coverage and broadband.
"Tragedy waiting to happen in places where there isn't cell phone coverage."

"I'm sure there are people sitting in a corporate office in St. Louis who'd love to be in the Adirondacks. But you need the infrastructure."

DH:
"Agree with Matt."
"Only candidate that has acutally created jobs in the 23rd district. "I know what it takes to make a business successful in the district."
"Everything Matt says is right on, but we also need to get big government off our back. Less Taxes, less regulation."

Q4: To Hoffman
How would you help farmers?

DH:
"My wife's family ran a farm for over 100 years. They got squeezed out of the business."
Chicago commodity market can be manipulated, powdered milk from China, supply and demand.
"I'm a conservative, I believe in the free market system, but I also agree in fairness."
"Farmers aren't being treated fairly."

MD:
"Unlike my opponent, have been traveling the district."
"Need transparency in fluid milk pricing milk market. Only done weekly. Need to know what the supply and demand are."
Too much regulation.. They are land rich. Need to get rid of the death tax.

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

Questions...

Q 1: T Doheny
Stimulus bill. Unnecessary paving. What's your take???

MD:
"Projects like that are putting into debt. "Leaders are flat out bankrupting us."
"Dead set against it. Been a flat out failure."
Citing higher than anticipated unemployment and underemployment figures.
Need to keep Bush tax cuts. Need to end over regulation.

DH:
"I agree with Matt"
"Last month, passed a $34 billion supplemental stimulus."
"Schools already have budgets. Now extra money. What are they going to do with it?"

Waste...
"Where are the jobs?"
Cut taxes and cut regulation... Creat jobs.

Hoffman v. Doheny Round 1

Mark Barie -- UNYTEA Chairman and event sponsor, "no applause please during the question and answer period.

And here come the two foes who are jockying for the GOP line.

Hoffman won the coin flip.

Hoffman opening statement:
Mic doesn't work..... holding pattern (7:09)

"Like most of you I'm fed up. Was fed up last year and we fought a great fight...."
"We know what the taxes and spending are going to do to us."
"We all have to fight back."
"I know what is going on in the North Country. I work everyday in solving problems in this district and, as Congressman, will solve them in Washington."

Doheny's opening statement:

"We need to send Bill Owens back into private practice."
"We are over-taxed and over regulated."
"Reality is that moms and dads don't believe their children will live their own American Dream."

"I'm the only conservative Republican on this stage that can actually win on November 2nd. I'm the only one who has been working his tail off and driving over 65,000 miles in my truck." he said. "My opponent tried last year and failed."
"Send a strong message to Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama."

Doheny v. Hoffman Round 1

Room packed. Each of the 225 seats has been taken and we the press are pounding furiously at our keyboards trying to paint the picture.

Place is packed and it appears sweat is not an uncommon scene on the brows of the 200-plus spectators.

Doug Hoffman and Matt Doheny have yet to take their seats.

Should be underway any minute.

Murphy the Centrist

For the most part, I view visits from representatives and senators with a certain pessimism.

In general, their handlers have them on such a tight schedule that press access is limited and question-and-answer periods are short and topic-driven.

Not that I blame them -- when you represent a district like New York's 23rd, you generally have a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time.

But that was not the case when New York's 20th Congressional District Representative Scott Murphy rolled into the Tri-Lakes region Tuesday.

Foresters predict magnificent fall

This from the Associated Press this morning:

Foresters say the hot, dry summer could mean an early fall with brighter than usual colors in the North Country.

Glens Falls meteorologist Brian Whitley says rainfall at the Warren County airport was nearly 5 inches below normal for the year. Forester Bruce Barnard of the Department of Environmental Conservation in Ray Brook says areas that have had a dry summer could see peak colors a week or so earlier than those that got rain.