Russell not in running for House seat

By JUDE SEYMOUR

TIMES STAFF WRITER

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2009

ARTICLE OPTIONS

A A

Despite being eight months pregnant, Addie J. Russell was flirting with the idea of running for the 23rd Congressional District seat.

On Tuesday, the assemblywoman admitted campaigning just wasn't going to be feasible.

"I look forward to continuing to work in the Assembly on the many projects in which I am currently involved, and with Senator (Darrel) Aubertine on the critical issues facing our region," the Theresa Democrat said in a statement.

John T. Sullivan Jr., a Democratic hopeful for the congressional seat, applauded Mrs. Russell's decision as "a wise one from the standpoint of her family and career."

The assistant inspector general in the state Medicaid Office then turned his statement to the party's nomination process.

"I intend to abide by that process, as I continue to reach out to friends, and potential supporters to gauge the bona fides of my own potential candidacy. It is a process which must, of necessity, be open and fair to all involved, and I am confident it will be."

The statement was timely, as it coincided with the district's 11 Democratic county chairmen meeting to discuss a candidate selection process. No details were released following the 90-minute meeting.

The suggestion of fairness may also be timely. The PolitickerNY Web site reported Monday that LaFargeville native Daniel J. French could be aided by several notable former staffers of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan if he were to run for Congress.

Mr. French, who worked in Mr. Moynihan's office on and off for seven years, did not submit a letter of interest to party leaders. The former U.S. attorney said Friday that he did not do so because "it didn't seem appropriate" to do before Mr. Aubertine made up his mind. The state senator from Cape Vincent said Thursday that he wouldn't run.

Mr. French declined to say whether he still wanted to be considered even though he had missed the chairmen's stated deadline.

Sean M. Hennessey, Jefferson County Democratic chairman, has previously said there are about 18 candidates who have expressed interest. The chairman's tally included Mrs. Russell and Keith B. Caughlin, Watertown, who have since dropped out.

The list of who's still interested includes: Stuart Brody, an Essex County attorney and former Democratic Rural Conference chairman; Danny M. Francis, a Watertown resident who was the party's nominee for this seat in 1994; Brian S. McGrath, a Lowville native and New York City attorney; Michael P. Oot, a Madison County attorney who was the party's nominee for this seat last year; William L. Owens, a Plattsburgh attorney and registered independent and Mr. Sullivan, a former Oswego mayor.

A 10th name emerged Tuesday.

Andrew Bisselle, an Essex County Republican and executive director of YMCA Camp Dudley, said he's asked Democrats to consider him.

Mr. Bisselle, Westport, was rejected by his own party during their selection process last week. The GOP ultimately chose Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, Gouverneur.

The 43-year-old said his economic and social viewpoints mirror those of the Democratic representatives who call themselves "blue dogs."

"Their common sense politics are in step with a majority of people of the 23rd District," Mr. Bisselle said in a statement.

The congressional seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. John M. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, who was nominated June 2 to be Army secretary. His Senate confirmation hearing begins Thursday. If he's confirmed, Mr. McHugh is expected to vacate his seat.

Gov. David A. Paterson is waiting for the seat to become open before deciding whether or not to call a special election.