Democrat candidate for Congress Dan Lamb was in Utica Friday to accept the endorsement of several Oneida County politicians. The first-time candidate is running against incumbent Republican Congressman Richard Hanna in the redrawn 22nd district, which covers an area including the eastern half of Oswego County south through Binghamton.
Saving Medicare and bringing jobs to the region were some of the reasons the group of politicians said they are endorsing Lamb. New York state Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi and Former Utica Mayor David Roefaro were among those who gathered in Utica to how their support.
Roefaro said that while he likes Hanna, he believes Lamb will do a better job looking out for the interests of the district.
"It's not just because we're Democrats. This is not a partisan thing. This has nothing to do with party. Rather, because at the end of the day, you have to look for the interest of all Uticans. Not just today, but every day. And not just most of the time, but all of the time," said Roefaro.
Lamb said in an interview with WRVO News that he has worked hard to build trust with local politicians.
"We realize that the future of this region, Utica, is really dependent on us working as a team. And we have shared goals. That's what this event here today was all about, showing that we share the same vision -- of moving Utica forward, moving this region forward, the Mohawk Valley forward."
Meanwhile Hanna announced he has received the endorsement of former Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, also of the Mohawk Valley.