A House Seat Won by Republicans Since 1950 Is Now in Play

[Judi Lynn]

A House Seat Won by Republicans Since 1950 Is Now in Play
By JONATHAN P. HICKS
Published: April 2, 2006

UTICA, N.Y., March 28 — The 24th Congressional District, which winds through the vineyards, farms and small cities of central New York, has sent Republicans to Congress for at least two generations. But this year, the retirement of its longtime incumbent and the growing discontent over the war in Iraq have given Democrats fresh hope of taking the seat.

The incumbent, Representative Sherwood L. Boehlert, one of the most liberal Republicans in Congress, announced on March 17 that he would not run for re-election, after 24 years in office. That has prompted skirmishes in both parties, with two prominent Republicans and three Democrats competing for the seat.

On first glance, it appears that the district would be a safe one for the Republicans. It has leaned reliably toward Republicans in most elections. No Democrat has been elected to Congress from here since Harry S. Truman's presidential victory in 1948.

Indeed, Mr. Boehlert assured both President Bush and the House speaker, J. Dennis Hastert, that he would be replaced by a Republican.
(snip/...)

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/02/nyregion/02upstate.html

[Greeby]

1. Here's hoping

:toast:

[acmejack]

2. I lived up there for years

That area can easily be ours!