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GOP primary possibilities

The only statewide race in the upcoming June 26 federal primary in New York state, is the contest to see who will take on U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in  the November election.  But even the state's top republican doesn't offer any clues who's going to win.

"With respect to the United States Senate we have three candidates, and I can't tell you who's going to win."

GOP party Chair Ed Cox says each of the candidates,  New York City lawyer Wendy Long, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and Congressman Bob Turner brings something very different to the table, and he'll be happy with whomever wins.  Cox believes that the June primary date will ultimately be good for Republicans.

"You have four months to the general election, and that's what makes the difference.  Rather than having a September primary as we normally do with only a few weeks till the general election, here we've got four months till the general election," said Cox.

Cox says he's not worried  about recent polls that show incumbent Gillibrand with a  more than two-to-one lead over any of the possible Republican candidates.  

There are also primaries June 26  in some congressional districts across the state.  Republican Congressman Richard Hanna faces a primary challenge from Michael Kicinski. And two Republicans -- Matthew Doheny and Kellie Greene -- are vying for the nomination to challenge Congressman Bill Owens.

But probably the most high profile primary race in the state is in Harlem, where longtime Congressman Charles Rangel, a Democrat who has survived charges of ethics violations,  faces four challengers.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.