After staying neutral throughout a divisive Republican primary for New York's 22nd Congressional District, retiring Rep. Richard Hanna is endorsing Cazenovia businessman Steve Wells to replace him. But, will his support may be more of a burden than a benefit?
Hanna called wells a bright, successful businessman who will be open to working across the aisle. He contrasted that pragmatic approach to Wells' main opponent in the primary, Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney. She was aggressive in her 2014 primary bid to replace Hanna and has acted similarly in this year's race.
"I've taken a stand on many issues and I'll quote [Winston] Churchill, 'You have enemies? That means you have stood for something in your life,'" Tenney said in a debate on WIBX's First News with Keeler.
She has been endorsed by the New York Conservative Party and the National Rifle Association. That far-right identity could jeopardize the Republican party's chances of retaining his seat this fall, according to Hanna. But, Hamilton College government professor Philip Klinkner said Tenney may be more in line with the Republican voters of this district than Hanna is.
"Richard Hanna, as the incumbent, almost lost in 2014, so his ability to influence the outcome of this race in the Republican primary is really pretty limited," Klinkner said. "And if anything, he has become even less popular by launching so many criticisms of his party."
Tenney was quick to condemn the endorsement.
"Congressman Hanna has achieved absolutely nothing to improve the economic condition of our communities while a member of Congress," Tenney wrote in an email. "Instead of leading the fight to put our Republican principles into action, he routinely attacks fellow Republicans for their views and is an apologist for Hillary Clinton. It's no surprise that the most liberal Republican in Congress would endorse a liberal, pro-choice Cuomo donor like Steve Wells."
One poll indicates that Tenney is the favorite in the primary, narrowly ahead of Wells. Hanna said that is partially why he endorsed him now, but even he admits that his support may not mean that much.
"I'll be honest, I know I have a lot of detractors, so my help won't isn't gonna be that big of a deal and endorsements don't always matter," Hanna said. "But do you really want yourself to be represented by someone who represents an extreme, unproductive and part of what is a frozen Washington?"
Still, Hanna is quite popular in the 22nd Congressional District, which covers all or portions of eight central and southern tier counties.A poll from the independent Liberty Opinion Research Group found that 61 percent of Republican primary voters view Hanna favorably.
Republican voters will decide between Tenney, Wells and Binghamton teacher George Phillips on Tuesday. The winner will go on to challenge Democrat Kim Myers this fall.
