Tagged: 27th Congressional District

Former President Bill Clinton's recent visit to Rochester may play a key role in two close Congressional races.

Buffalo News Political Reporter Bob McCarthy was on hand as the former President energized a Rochester audience last Friday in support of incumbent Representatives Kathy Hochul and Louise Slaughter

McCarthy sees Clinton's popularity in stark contrast with that of President Obama, especially in the 27th Congressional district where Democrat Hochul is trying to fend off Republican challenger Chris Collins.

A veteran of many panels at area political debates, Buffalo News Political Reporter Bob McCarthy believes Tuesday night's debate between Kathy Hochul and Chris Collins was one of the best he has witnessed.

McCarthy was among the panelists at the studios of WNED-TV who posed questions to the candidates in the race for the 27th Congressional district.

As McCarthy sees it, both candidates were very clear in their positions and avoided many of the platitudes that bring little value to political discussions.

Lancaster Town Supervisor Dino Fudoli has proven to be quite a controversial leader since assuming office on January 1st.  He's a proponent of limiting the financial incentives granted by the region's various industrial development agencies.  Fudoli then targeted town employee unions for criticism by describing public employees as being the "unproductive" segment of the economy.  Finally, he admitted late last month that he has not paid property taxes on various properties he owns. 

The race for the 27th Congressional District is a dead heat, that according to a recent poll conducted by the Buffalo News, WGRZ and Sienna College.

The poll found a mere 2% edge for Republican Chris Collins over incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul. The margin of error for the poll is near 4%.  7% of those queried remain undecided.

Tax returns took center stage this week in the heated battle for the 27th Congressional district.

Earlier this week, Democratic Representative Kathy Hochul offered the public a look at the her salary and that of her husnand, U.S. Attorney William Hochul.

The figures produced fodder for her Republican foe, Chris Collins, who said the Hochuls have become millionaire's on the backs of taxpayers.

"She's not really this middle class person she pretends to be," said Collins.

Congresswoman Hochul refuted the attacks.

The race for the Republican nod in the 27th Congressional District election is heating up, and the challengers are ponying up their own money.

David Bellavia has loaned $45,000 to his campaign, while Chris Collins, with deeper pockets, has loaned his effort $250,000.

The primary election looms on June 26th, and Collins suggests that the real fund raising will begin after the winner of that vote is announced.

Chris Collins's congressional campaign is picking up endorsements as Republicans take sides in the approaching GOP primary in the 27th District.

Erie County Legislature Minority Leader Jack Mills and Niagara County Legislature Chairman William Ross are backing Collins. Both will serve as campaign chairs in their  respective counties.

Collins' opponent David Bellavia has earned several endorsements from notable officials, including State Senator George Maziarz and Genesee County Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The New York State Conservative Party has given its endorsement to former Erie County Executive Chris Collins, in his run for the Congressional seat currently held by Democrat Kathy Hochul.

Collins and Iraqi war veteran David Bellavia had also been soliciting the Conservative party support. Both candidates are on the state primary ballot for the Republican endorsement.

Party leaders met in Brooklyn Thursday.  Party chairman Michael Long said Collins earned the endorsement by a "very high majority."

Political lines are being drawn as the Republican candidates battle for their party's nomination in New York's 27th Congressional district.

State Senator George Maziarz is endorsing Iraq War veteran David Bellavia, bypassing the better-financed candidacy of former Erie County Executive Chris Collins.

The move follows the endorsement of the Orleans County Republican Party, which is also backing Bellavia.

The Buffalo News is reporting that three-time Congressional candidate Jack Davis is providing financial support to Bellavia's campaign.

With a June primary ahead, Republicans David Bellavia and Chris Collins are getting active and taking shots at each other.

On Tuesday, Bellavia, the decorated Iraq War veteran, challenged Colins to a series of eight debates, one for each county in the sprawling 27th district.

Bellavaia says it's the best way to explore the many issues of importance to district constituents.

Collins called the debate idea "premature." 

The former Erie County Executive dismissed Bellavia as a "candidate whose campaign is floundering."