TALKING POINTS
U.S. Senate:
Jefferson County GOP Chairman Donald G.M. Coon III will today endorse Republican Jay Townsend for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y. Mr. Townsend will run in a Sept. 14 primary against Gary Berntsen.
23rd Congressional District:
MATT DOHENY: The Ogdensburg Journal, which is owned by Johnson Newspaper Corp., publisher of the Watertown Daily Times, endorsed Mr. Doheny for the Republican nomination Tuesday.
The candidate released his itinerary for the 96-hour period before Primary Day. His stops include a 9 a.m. breakfast Friday at his Route 11 office in Malone and appearances at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bravo Italiano Fest, Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds, Coffeen Street; 3 p.m. Sunday at the Jefferson County Republicans Clam Bake, Old McDonald's Farm, Sackets Harbor; 6 p.m. Sunday at the Lewis County Hospital gala, Lowville; a 3 p.m. rally Monday at the Ramada Inn, Arsenal Street and a 6 p.m. rally that same day at the St. Lawrence County Republican office, 1011 Linden St.
DOUG HOFFMAN: Citizens United Political Victory Fund, which supports candidates who believe in smaller government, lower taxes, spending cuts and traditional family values, endorsed the Saranac Lake accountant Tuesday. The Washington, D.C. group also contributed $10,000 to the candidate.
■ State Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long said his group will “run an aggressive campaign” on Mr. Hoffman's behalf “right through November.”
Mr. Long said the Conservative Party leaders are “prepared” to talk this fall about Mr. Doheny's two 2004 charges for boating while under the influence of alcohol.
The Watertown Daily Times' website now features the entire debate between Mr. Doheny and Mr. Hoffman that occurred Tuesday in Saranac Lake.
The Upstate New York Tea Party will host a primary night party at America's Best Value Inn, 19 Booth Drive, Plattsburgh, starting at 8 p.m. Sept. 14. The group, which endorsed Mr. Hoffman, promises to have a live computer feed, televisions and cell phone hookups to all the campaigns.
47th Senate District:
Democrat Michael J. Hennessy, Sherrill, has successfully petitioned to appear on an independent ballot line, Fix Albany, this November. He is in a Sept. 14 primary with Maria Pavelock, Kirkland, who failed in her attempt to create her own independent ballot line.
Ms. Pavelock will be out of the race if she loses the primary. Mr. Hennessy has previously said he would “probably not actively campaign” on the Fix Albany line if he lost the primary. Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, is seeking a third term.
118th Assembly District:
Republican David W. Forsythe will hold a two-day fundraiser, starting today, at his Basswood Lodge & Hunting Preserve, Rensselear Falls. He's offering a 300-bird European pheasant hunt, pig roast and live music by the Charlton Brothers for $300. Muskie Magic Charters will guide anglers through the St. Lawrence River both days for $150, which includes the dinner and band. The dinner and band event, held Saturday evening, without the outdoor activities is $30 per person or $50 per couple.
122nd Assembly District:
Republican Kenneth D. Blankenbush is hosting a fundraiser at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Barley Pub, 8035 Lake Road, Belleville. The cost to attend is $30 per person or $50 per couple. Pizza and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Jefferson County Sheriff:
Republican Charles F. “Chuck” Ruggiero Jr. will visit with voters in the village of Carthage from 8 to 11 a.m. today. The challenger will start at the farmer's market, before stopping at Grinder's Bakery & Coffee Shop and the Rite Aid parking lot, Canal Street.
