Tight local races means every vote counts

Candidates Talk Issues in Close Race

One of the most closely watched races in New York is that for the 46th State Senate seat.  Republican George Amedore is running against Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk.  This race that is closer than most.

You've seen the signs along the road.  Many are close together, in a race that could end even closer, in a photo finish!  According to a Siena poll released Friday, Republican George Amedore leads Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk by 3% in the forty-sixth district.  The margin of error -- 4.6%.  Siena pollster Steve Greenberg says, "whichever campaign does the better job of getting their voters to the polls is likely to be the campaign that succeeds."

It's a large district stretching from Montgomery to Ulster County.  Both candidates are busy on the road and at their campaign headqarters the last day before the election.  They agree on most of the big issues.  Amedore said, "the heavy burden, crushing taxes.  The lack of jobs.  The poor economy.  Cost of living continues to increase."
Tkaczyk says, "we need to kick start the Upstate economy.  We need to provide fair funding for our rural and small-city schools.  We need to protect our environment."

Those are big statewide topics.  A snapshot of them, this may be a referrendum on those issues alone, given the closeness in the 46th.  "This is a pocketbook election," Greenberg said.  "It's about jobs, it's about the economy.  It's about taxes.  It's about the state budget."

The underdog first on her three point follow:  "I think it's clearly a close race.  Given this is a district drawn for George Amedore, this is something that wasn't expected."

Amedore's take, "the tightness of the race underscores one thing: hard work, and continuing to go out there and hear the people, meet the people."

Both candidates will hear from them, especially the three percent, at the polls.

Amedore is an assemblyman currently representing the 105th district.  Tkaczyk serves on the Duanesburg school board.

Poll: Close Senate race between Warren, Brown

LOWELL, Mass. - A new poll says the race between Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and his Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren remains extremely close.

The UMass Lowell-Boston Herald poll released Sunday shows Brown ahead by 1%age point among likely voters, 49% to 48%. It also shows Warren leading by 2%age points among registered voters, 49% to 47%.

The margins of error were plus or minus 4.1%age points and plus or minus 3.7%age points, respectively.

Co-director of the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion Joshua Dyck says what the campaigns do to get out the vote is "likely to determine the winner."

The survey of 956 Massachusetts registered voters, 800 of whom were considered to be likely voters, was conducted Oct. 31-Nov. 3.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Say What?! How the System Works

The Presidential Election is just days away, but how well do Capital Region residents know how the system works?  CBS6's Brandon Lewis quizzed some voters on Friday, and the answers had many asking, "Say what?!"

Gillibrand, Long face off in only debate for U.S. Senate

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) and Wendy Long (R) held a spirited debate during their first and only meeting ahead of the election.
 The two sparred over gun control, the economy and the sexual harassment complaints made against Assemblyman Vito Lopez.
Long frequently interrupted Gillibrand during the first few questions on foreign policy, but stopped after jeers from the audience. 
Long is facing an uphill battle to unseat the incumbent. She has been largely outspent by Gillibrand and has raised less money.
“I think it’s a grassroots campaign, it's a tough campaign. I think it's a campaign of the people and I’m delighted some outside groups are now coming in and buying some TV ads because it’s an expensive media market,” said Long after the debate.
Before the debate began the moderators asked audience members from host Skidmore College who they supported, many responded by applauding for Gillibrand. However, she did not answer a question by a reported if she thought Long’s campaign was a long shot.
“I look forward to elections because this is a chance when voters get to assess are you doing your job. Are you representing their values, their priorities are you representing them well? And so I think it’s an important time to be able to have this debate and to be able to have the elections,” answered Gillibrand 

Fact-checking the Presidential Debate

DENVER -- Both candidates filled their speeches with facts supporting their argument, but some contained stretches.

President Barack Obama criticized Republican nominee Mitt Romney for a large tax cut

“Governor Romney's central economic plan calls for a $5 trillion tax cut on top of the extension of the Bush tax cuts, that's another trillion dollars,” said Obama.

Obama’s website cites a report from the Tax Policy Center for the claim, which estimates Romney’s plan will reduce the tax liability $480 billion in 2015 and over ten years would near $5 trillion.

“First of all I don't have a $5 trillion tax cut. I don't have a tax cut of a scale that you're talking about,” remarked Romney.

 Romney’s plan also includes ending tax reform that would end some deductions, lessening the reduction.

“The president said he'd cut the deficit in half. Unfortunately, he doubled it,” said Romney during the debate.

However FactCheck.org reported the annual deficit was already at $1.2 trillion when Obama took office.

“Over the last two years, health care premiums have gone up, it's true, but they've gone up slower than any time in the last 50 years,” said Obama.

HealthAffairs.org and FactCheck.org report health care premiums aren’t growing at a slower rate, but instead it is health care spending. Additionally, as Obama notes, the Affordable Health Care Act isn’t fully in place.

“Under the president’s policies, middle-income Americans have been buried. They’re -- they’re just being crushed. Middle-income Americans have seen their income come down by $4,300,” said Romney.

Data from the U.S. Census shows median household income has decreased about $250, from $50,303 to $50,054 in 2011.

Both candidates had their share of stretches during the debate, but analysts declared Romney the winner based on his composure and delivery. They also said Obama helped Romney by not pointing out the inconsistencies, while Romney called out Obama.

“It works to the candidates advantage if he's providing facts and what he presents his opponent doesn't dispute him, doesn't challenge him on it,” said Len Cutler with Siena College.

While more than an estimated 50 million people watched the debate, it’s likely to solidify voter’s opinion of a candidate rather than sway their vote.

“Looking at the significance of the debates going back to the Kennedy-Nixon era - 1960 coming all the way forward to 2008, maybe they had two elections that had some bearing,” said Cutler. “[There was] some significance, but two elations. This election could be the third.

Say What: Who do voters blame for nasty campaign ads?

A Look At Campaign Ads

If you're watching TV, no doubt you're watching political ads – they’re virtually inescapable.

But what have we learned from these seemingly endless TV campaign ads?

We've learned that according to his opponents, apparently Congressman Chris Gibson needs to see a chiropractor -- desperately.

We've learned that despite what his mother probably taught him, Congressman Bill Owens is crying over spilled milk.

We've learned that George Amedore is disavowing any knowledge of having spent the past five years in the NYS assembly.

We've learned that apparently Chris Gibson and Paul Ryan are the best of friends, likewise Bill Owens and Barack Obama are apparently inseparable, and we've learned that all republicans and democrats running for congress apparently hate Medicare and want to either get rid of it or rob it blind.

And what we've really learned -- you may not want to base your vote on a 30 second TV spot.

Again, that's meant to be a facetious look – CBS6 isn’t saying one party is making more attacks or claiming more successes than the other, and we're not saying politicians don't like Medicare -- the ads seem to say that.
 
And of course, over the coming weeks --  as we do every year -- we will fact check many of the claims in these ads.

Sen. Roy McDonald announces he will not run for 3rd term

Three days after he was mathematically eliminated from the GOP primary against Kathy Marchione, Incumbent Senator Roy McDonald has dropped out of the race for the 43rd State Senate seat.

McDonald, through a release to the media, said he weighed all his options and decided conceding was the best one.

“Moving forward, I will be supporting all Republican candidates - including Kathy Marchione - in the General Election, because I believe maintaining the Republican Majority in the New York State Senate will continue to positively change state government.” McDonald said.

McDonald’s name will remain on the Independence line in November, but he will not actively campaign for the seat.

A staff member for the Marchione campaign said despite the press release McDonald had not yet talked to Marchione personally, as of 5 p.m. Thursday. A no call was not a concern for Marchione.

“I think it has taken him time.” Marchione said. “It was a hard fought race and he needed to weigh his options I understand he did some polling, he was looking to see where he needed to go and what was right for him. I respect that.”

Marchione admits she does not know much about her Democratic challenger, Robin Andrews. She says she is not focused on Andrews as much as she is on getting her message out over the next six weeks.

“I think the economy, jobs and high taxes are the real issue that people are concerned about.”

Of  McDonald, Marchione said Thursday she hopes the two will go back to being friends like they were before the election.

In a statement Robin Andrews said Thursday, Roy McDonald should be respected for his service. The Democrat challenger from Claverack said she is also looking forward to a two person race.

“Today's news gives the voters of the 43rd Senate district a very clear choice.” Andrews said. “We need sound decision making by people qualified to make those decisions and I am confident that I am that person for the 43rd Senate district.”

McDonald lost the primary to Kathleen Marchione in a Sept. 13 vote that was so close it wasn't decided until Wednesday in a count of absentee ballots.
 
Skelos praised McDonald's decision not to campaign as a good choice for his party and Senate district.
 
McDonald has represented the 43rd district since 2008.
 
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged Wednesday to support McDonald, who cast a difficult vote in June 2011 to help pass Cuomo's bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

McDonald released this statement on his decision:

After discussing the issue with family, friends, campaign staff and trusted advisors, I’ve decided that I will not actively campaign in the General Election on the Independence Party line.

I want to thank all my supporters that have stood by me over the years, and everyone that voted in the Primary. Thank you to Senator Skelos for his leadership in the Republican Conference and for his faith in me through an appointment as the Chairman of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee. I also want to send a special thank you to the Independence Party leadership for their help and support.

Thank you to Governor Cuomo for his outstanding support, and for the great job he’s done for the citizens of New York State. He has my respect and friendship.

Moving forward, I will be supporting all Republican candidates – including Kathy Marchione – in the General Election, because I believe maintaining the Republican Majority in the New York State Senate will continue to positively change state government. It is important to recognize the need for checks and balances in our democracy, which can only be assured by a multi-party system.

This decision was made through significant reflection. I am very proud of my time in public service. Standing up for the communities I represented was always my first priority. I have been a Senator for all people.

As Wilton Town Supervisor, I had the opportunity to eliminate taxes and establish real economic development to help local families. Serving as a Saratoga County Supervisor, I authored the first county budget that cut taxes by twenty-five percent and made Saratoga the lowest taxed county in New York State.

It was humbling to be elected to serve our local communities in the state legislature as a member of the Assembly and Senate. I worked to extend our local success in Wilton and Saratoga County through bi-partisan partnerships and creative problem solving.

But my proudest accomplishments were helping to pass legislation that directly benefitted people. Patriot Plans I, II and III helped New York National Guard and Reserve veterans obtain the benefits they earned serving our country. We also started a pilot program to help returning combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) get the peer-to-peer counseling they need. 

The Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership was established to promote the historic significance and agricultural importance of this region. I was also honored to sponsor legislation that brought GLOBALFOUNDRIES to Saratoga County; this project is creating thousands of jobs along with numerous spin-off opportunities for new businesses.

The hallmark of a great society is protecting those who cannot protect themselves, and the Senate Republican Majority over the past two years allowed me to focus on an issue that has real significance in my life and increasing importance to families in New York State. As Chairman of the Senate Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, helping individuals with disabilities and standing up for their rights came to the forefront.

First, we passed autism insurance legislation that required health insurance providers to ensure diagnosis and treatment coverage for families that have a loved one persevering with autism. Before this legislation became law, coverage was routinely denied for autism.  Next, after an investigative report outlined unacceptable abuse taking place in developmental disabilities group homes, I sponsored legislation and partnered with Governor Cuomo to pass the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. This legislation created a process for abuse to be reported and investigated so that people are protected and criminals are adequately prosecuted.

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to gain a new perspective on life, thanks to my two grandsons David and Jacob. Their achievements in overcoming a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum are truly inspiring. Regardless of where I am in life, I will continue advocating for people with special disabilities and working to help individuals and their families facing what always appear to be insurmountable circumstances – but with help and working together, I have learned they are not.

Led by Senator Skelos, the Senate Republicans accomplished much in the past two years. Late budgets were once a sign of Albany dysfunction, but two on-time budgets that closed multi-billion dollar budget gaps without raising taxes or fees demonstrated a desire to turn things around. In addition, we cut taxes for middle class families to their lowest levels in 58 years.

I want to thank my family for their love, support and for allowing me to share my time with the public while in office. My accomplishments are theirs because nothing would have been possible without their understanding of missed dance recitals due to board meetings, my absence at the dinner table because of late night budget negotiations and much more. Thank you to my wonderful wife Angela, and great daughters Stephanie, Jessica and Julie, my fantastic sons-in-law Matthew, Jeff and Charles, along with my wonderful grandsons Jacob and David.

Kathy Marchione released this statement following McDonald's announcement:

I congratulate Roy McDonald on a hard-fought race and I appreciate his support.  He’s a good man who works tirelessly for our community. Roy and I have been friends for more than 20 years. The primary, and everything that came with it, is behind us, and I still count him as a friend.

I entered this race because New York faces serious problems, and this campaign is about fixing them. The corruption in Albany needs to be stopped. Our state government taxes too much, spends too much, regulates too much and borrows too much. I’m looking forward to spending the next six weeks meeting voters and sharing our ideas to lower spending, clean up Albany and get New York working again.

A Look At Campaign Ads

If you're watching TV, no doubt you're watching political ads – they’re virtually inescapable.

But what have we learned from these seemingly endless TV campaign ads?

We've learned that according to his opponents, apparently Congressman Chris Gibson needs to see a chiropractor -- desperately.

We've learned that despite what his mother probably taught him, Congressman Bill Owens is crying over spilled milk.

We've learned that George Amedore is disavowing any knowledge of having spent the past five years in the NYS assembly.

We've learned that apparently Chris Gibson and Paul Ryan are the best of friends, likewise Bill Owens and Barack Obama are apparently inseparable, and we've learned that all republicans and democrats running for congress apparently hate Medicare and want to either get rid of it or rob it blind.

And what we've really learned -- you may not want to base your vote on a 30 second TV spot.

Again, that's meant to be a facetious look – CBS6 isn’t saying one party is making more attacks or claiming more successes than the other, and we're not saying politicians don't like Medicare -- the ads seem to say that.
 
And of course, over the coming weeks --  as we do every year -- we will fact check many of the claims in these ads.

Gay marriage, scandals forge close NY primaries

ALBANY -- Votes against the party line, scandal and nasty campaigns may have meant the difference between winning and losing in New York's primary elections.
 
On a night marked by razor thin margins, the normally protected class of incumbents got rattled by defeats or races too close to call.
 
Two of three Republican senators who voted for gay marriage last year -- Saratoga County's Roy McDonald and Poughkeepsie's Stephen Saland -- ended the night with no decision on Thursday. McDonald and Kathleen Marchione were locked in a duel while Saland and Neil DiCarlo were separated by only about 50 votes.
 
The third Republican senator to support same-sex marriage, Mark Grisanti in Buffalo, easily won against Kevin Stocker.
 
Indicted incumbent Democratic Sen. Shirley Huntley lost in Queens while William Boyland, another Democrat who's also facing indictment, won.
 

   AP-WF-09-14-12 0622GMT

State Senate 44th District runners

State Senate 43rd District runners

Albany County District Attorney runners

Things get heated at McDonald, Marchione debate

TROY -- Candidates for the 43rd senate seat faced off for their final debate Tuesday.

State Senator Roy McDonald (R) is facing critics after he voted to legalize same-sex marriage last year.

“I did what I thought was right, if I thought it was politically correct I wouldn't have done it for some of these folks I did it because I’m a human being that cares.  I could have found an easier way to get re-elected,” McDonald told the crowd after he was asked a question about the vote.

His challenger, Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione, suggested McDonald wasn’t conservative enough for the district and abandoned his promises ahead of the same-sex marriage vote.

“Part of the republican platform is the issue of marriage as one man and one woman,” said Marchione.

Despite frequent questions on the economy and jobs the two candidates continued to battle each other with personal attacks.

“Standing up for jobs, standing up for people with disabilities, which nobody talks about which I had several bills passed I changed the lives of thousands if not tens of thousands of people in this state. This is serious stuff and what we did is distract for silly I want to live your life,” said McDonald.

Marchione suggested McDonald changed his vote in exchange for campaign donations and says he has spent ten times what she has paid in the race.

“You want to talk about a real job, you do work for M&T Bank and we haven't yet been able to figure out at you do for M&T Bank when you got on their payroll no longer did they have a lobbyist, that $100,000 is now no longer needed so are you a lobbyist or are you our senator?” questioned Marchione.

As the debate wore on, McDonald became more agitated as he denied bowing to lobbyist.

“I'm not beholding to any special interest group if I were I would have thrown that vote the way these people wanted. I didn't do it,” said McDonald.

Voters will get the opportunity to weigh in during Thursday’s primary. Democrat Robin Andrews, current Claverack town supervisor, is running unopposed. Edward Gilbert, a manager with the New York State Higher Education Services Corp, is running against Marchione in the Conservative race.

Congressman Neal Wins Another Term