By Doug La Rocque
It was one of the most hotly contested races in the nation in the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and one of the most expensive. [private]With Republican Congressman Chris Gibson retiring at the end of the year, the National Democratic Party saw this seat as one they could flip. Several national media reports indicated both parties spent a total of more than 12 million dollars on the race. In the end, Faso, a former NYS Assemblyman from Columbia County, prevailed. Teachout rose to local prominence when she challenged Governor Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic nomination two years ago, and finished with a much stronger showing than had been expected.
Incumbent State Representatives Are Re-Elected
Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin of Melrose run unopposed this year in his re-election bid, but State Senator Kathy Marchione faced a challenge from Democrat Shaun Francis. Marchione’s popularity in her district, which is primarily Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties, won out, as she was the victor by about a 4 to 1 margin over Francis.
Statewide, incumbent US Senator Charles Schumer once again vanquished his Republican opponent, this time Wendy Long. Schumer, a downstate Democrat, has enjoyed considerable support upstate well. This was Long’s second attempt at the US Senate. She challenged Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in 2012 and lost by 46 percentage points.
Rensselaer County Court Judge Andrew Ceresia Elevated to the State Supreme Court
Judge Ceresia and Albany County Legislator Michael Mackey were both elected Tuesday night to the State Supreme court in the third judicial district. Both men ran unopposed.[/private]