Philipstown Dems back Maloney, Gipson
By Kevin E. Foley
The Philipstown Democratic Committee has endorsed Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney for reelection for the 18th Congressional district and will be petitioning for the local incumbent during the month of March. Voters are reminded you can only sign one petition per race.
“As a moderate Democrat, Maloney has proven he represents all the residents of our distinctive district, which leans neither left or right, “ said Kim Connor, committee chair.
According to Connor, potential Maloney challenger Diana Hird was invited to address the committee but canceled her appearance.
The committee also endorsed former State Senator Terry Gipson from Rhinebeck who is running to retake his seat in the 41st district. The 41st includes most of Dutchess County as well as Putnam Valley along with Philipstown. Republican Sue Serino is the incumbent.
“We need Terry back in Albany to fight for our public schools, to protect women’s rights, to promote job creation in the Hudson Valley, to improve the safety of our roads, and to bring ethics back to Albany politics,” said Margaret Yonco-Haines, vice chair.
Long-serving Assemblywoman Sandy Galef also has the committee’s support for reelection in the 95th Assembly district. Connor said Galef is “accessible and she consistently listens to and acts on the concerns of her constituents. We think highly of Sandy in Philipstown.”
Hird petition parties
Diana Hird has scheduled petition-gathering parties this Saturday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kismet at 72 Main St. in Cold Spring, and from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Russell Cusick Gallery at 530 Main St. in Beacon.
Republicans for Congress
Republican congressional candidate Phil Oliva has received the support of the four Republican county organizations in the 18th district after gathering 73 percent of the votes at a recent convention of the groups. The strong showing caused another candidate Dan Castricone to withdraw from the primary race. Oliva is an aide to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.
A correction
A few weeks ago I reported that Sean Maloney had endorsed Zephyr Teachout for Congress in the 19th District. I also reported that Teachout had in turn endorsed Maloney.
Although the Teachout campaign has not responded to our inquiries to clarify, it does not appear she has officially endorsed Maloney in his bid for reelection.
However, following Maloney’s endorsement, Teachout tweeted on her campaign’s account: “Huge news: today Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney endorsed me. Hudson Valley Power! Imagine the infrastructure projects we could work on.”
