Clarkson senior to challenge Russell

Nicholas J. Vaugh said Monday that he'll seek the Republican nomination in the 118th Assembly District in an effort to unseat Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

"Albany is broken, dysfunctional and the north country's voice is unheard," the Ogdensburg city councilor said. "Now, more than ever, we need bold, new leadership to deal with the challenges and hardships that lie before us. I am that bold, new leader."

Mr. Vaugh, a 22-year-old senior at Clarkson University, Potsdam, is the first in his party to announce. But he soon may have competition for the nomination.

St. Lawrence County Legislator David W. Forsythe said he's considering a bid for the GOP nomination as well, and the Lisbon resident told local Conservative Party members he'd like their line, too, if he runs.

Jefferson County GOP Legislator Philip N. Reed, Fishers Landing, also is considering a run, according to Mr. Vaugh. Mr. Reed has declined to discuss his intentions. He did not return a phone call seeking comment Monday.

The district predominantly follows the St. Lawrence River, encompassing towns from Cape Vincent to Massena. It also includes the city of Watertown and the towns of Canton and Potsdam.

Mr. Vaugh said he also will seek the Conservative and Independence parties' endorsement so he can appear on their ballot lines. He said he has commitments from donors that will exceed $50,000 by month's end.

Mr. Vaugh said he plans a three-pronged platform of job creation, fiscal accountability and reform.

"My opponent since day one has voted for a record amount of increased spending, taxes and regulations," Mr. Vaugh said of Mrs. Russell. "That's something we're going to contrast."

He has routinely criticized the Democratic assemblywoman's support of the 2009-10 state budget, which included an 8.7 percent increase in spending and $7 billion in new or higher taxes and fees.

Mr. Vaugh also is speaking out against some of Gov. David A. Paterson's proposals in his proposed budget for 2010-11, including joining local leaders opposed to closing the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. He also has introduced a City Council resolution asking state leaders to stop a 1 cent per-ounce tax on nondiet soft drinks.

Mr. Vaugh will graduate May 8 from Clarkson, where is majoring in political science and business. He said, for now, he'll focus on his Assembly bid instead of looking for other employment.

Jefferson County GOP Chairman Donald G.M. Coon III said he met Mr. Vaugh while the two worked on Robert W. "Bobby" Cantwell III's unsuccessful challenge to Mrs. Russell in 2008.

"He seemed to be a nice enough guy, very ambitious and pretty accomplished at a young age," Mr. Coon said Monday. "My hat's off to him for knowing it's something he wants to do. But certainly, there's room for others to join the race."

St. Lawrence County Chairwoman Nancy K. Martin could not be reached for comment.