Tuesday's federal primary in New York state was marked by low turnout. New York's primaries were split into three dates this year, with a presidential primary in April, Tuesday's Congressional primary and a September primary for state Senate and Assembly candidates. Experts believe having a primary in June, which is not traditional for New York, contributed to the low turnout. But, it is now known who will be on the ballot for Congress in November.
Central New York Congressman Richard Hanna fought off a a primary challenge yesterday to move on to November's general election.
Hanna, who represents all or part of eight counties in New York, including Oneida, Madison, Cortland counties, and the eastern half of Oswego County, beat fellow Republican Michael Kicinski, picking up about 70 percent of the vote. Hanna now faces Democrat Dan Lamb in November.
Watertown businessman Matt Doheny secured the Republican nomination in this fall’s race for New York’s new 21st Congressional district, which covers the North Country.
Doheny beat Kellie Greene, by a wide margin, picking up about about 70 percent of the vote.
Doheny will face Democrat Congressman Bill Owens in November. Speaking after his victory last night, Doheny said voters will have a clear choice this fall.
"We're going to have the ability to give a clear choice to voters. And when it comes to myself and the current congressman, we feel quite excited about that opportunity. And we're looking forward to being successful in November," said Doheny.
Doheny narrowly lost to Owens in 2010, when many conservatives and tea party Republicans cast ballots for Lake Placid accountant Doug Hoffman, even though he had dropped out of the race weeks before the general election.
Greene says she’s proud of what her campaign achieved.
"We had some uphill battles, that while Mr. Doheny had to face that new part of the district, he was well known in the other counties having run last time and campaigning for the last few years since his last loss. So we knew that we were up against the time crunch and [had an] uphill battle. Everybody says we didn't have the money. Well, listen, we raised less than $8,000, but we still have a little bit of money in the bank, which I think says a lot about being fiscally responsible," Greene said, with a laugh. "So I don't think it was money."
Greene says she had hoped for a close race, but she doesn’t have any regrets.
Owens issued a statement Tuesday night congratulating Doheny, saying he looks forward to a healthy discussion of the issues.
Doheny says discontent with President Obama and Congress could bode well for his chances in November.
"We're going in the wrong direction. We are spending out of control," said Doheny.
"I want to be the growth candidate, to make sure that people understand when you're growing the economy, that's how you go ahead and create jobs. Right now with unemployment around 10 percent in a lot of our North Country county unemployment numbers, is unacceptable," Doheny added. "And I don't understand why you would send a congressman and a president back to office with that type of backdrop."
In the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, Wendy Long got about 50 percent of the vote to defeat her two opponents, Congressman Bob Turner and Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos. Long now faces incumbent Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in November.
