Politics

Many observers believed David Bellavia would win the 27th Congressional seat, if he chose to run. On Sunday, the war hero announced he will not enter the race, opening the door for other interested parties. Buffalo News political reporter Bob McCarthy believes Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw will soon enter the race. Batavia Assemblyman Steve Hawley could also join a heavy Republican field that also includes state senators Rob Ortt and Chris Jacobs, and attorney Beth Parlato.

Eva Doyle, Cas Rodriguez and Jessica Marinelli share a common trait: they hold a keen interest in local politics. They were quick to volunteer for a panel to review Thursday's debate of the two candidates for Erie County Executive. They offered a variety of perspectives on the candidates' performances. They also highlighted the lack of discussion of one the region's most glaring issues, the number of inmates who have died while in custody at the Erie County Holding Center.

Lynne Dixon attacked Mark Poloncarz’s leadership in a televised debate Thursday night, even calling the Erie County Executive a “bully,” while Poloncarz defended his record and promised to continue the area’s economic growth if re-elected. 

A policy seminar titled Medicaid Migraine, held Wednesday by the fiscal watchdog group the Empire Center as part of the Gov. Hugh L. Carey Policy Forum, addressed the rapidly increasing health care costs in New York that led to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget office delaying a $1.7 billion payment to providers last year.

Niagara County is suing Albany, claiming the system that allows people in the country illegally to get driver's licenses is unfair to citizens and, therefore, a violation of the Equal Protection provision of the New York State Constitution.

A poll out Tuesday finds that the majority of New Yorkers approve of the impeachment inquiry conducted by House Democrats against President Donald Trump.

New York state’s public campaign finance commission met for several hours on Columbus Day to discuss the nuts-and-bolts details of how to implement a matching public donor system for statewide races.

A special election has yet to be called for Western New York's 27th Congressional District, but a heavy supply of political money is finding its way into the coffers of the declared candidates. While the district only recently lost its representation with the resignation of Chris Collins, Buffalo News Political Reporter Bob McCarthy says campaign treasuries are on the rise for the declared candidates.

A state commission to oversee the 2020 census count for New York state adopted its action plan Tuesday. But immigrant rights groups worry that it’s too little, too late.

Priorities, spending, taxes, the future home of the Buffalo Bills, economic development and the red/green budget. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and county legislator Lynne Dixon squared off at Hilbert College Wednesday night in their first debate.

Nate McMurray is doubling down on his campaign following the resignation of Rep. Chris Collins, expressing confidence he can win Collins’ heavily Republican 27th Congressional District as a Democrat.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo clarified his views on the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump's behavior on Tuesday. The governor's remarks follow seemingly contradictory comments he's reported to have made last week.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul could win the congressional seat Chris Collins resigned on Monday. Hochul said she agrees—but she’s still not going to run.