Who will voters choose to replace Gillibrand?

HARLEM VALLEY — Now that the shock wave of Gov. David Paterson’s appointment of Congresswoman Kristen Gillibrand to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate had died down, a new question has arisen: Who will  replace Gillibrand?

It won’t be solved with a simple appointment. Unlike the empty Senate seat, special elections are required by law to appoint a new seat for the 20th Congressional District. That district covers parts of Dutchess, Columbia, Essex, Warren, Otsego, Saratoga, Washington, Greene, Delaware and Rensselaer counties.

Paterson will choose the date of the special election and has said he is holding off to give candidates a proper opportunity to introduce themselves to the public. Elections are normally held 30 to 40 days after the governor’s proclamation. By law, Paterson isn’t required to act on the empty seat until July 2010, but the general consensus is that elections will occur sometime in March.

In lieu of party primaries, the heads of the Democratic and Republican committees in each county have voted for a candidate. The votes were weighted based on the county’s population. Using this system, Saratoga County’s vote counts the most in the 10-county district.

With Gillibrand having officially resigned her seat on Jan. 26, the Republican party is looking to take back the seat that had been traditionally conservative, until Gillibrand defeated incumbent John Sweeney in 2006.

On Jan. 27, State Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco won the GOP nomination.

By Monday, Feb. 2, Scott Murphy had been chosen as the Democratic candidate. Murphy is currently president of the Upstate Venture Association of New York, and the New York managing director of Advantage Capital Partners in Glens Falls.

Murphy will face off against Tedisco in the election, the date of which has yet to be set by the governor.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less