Important developments in the race to face 19th CD incumbent Sue Kelly over the last week showed lots of added steam to the campaign of folk-rock performer John Hall and some to another of his Democratic Party Rivals.

John Hall was endorsed by Jim Martorano, the Yorktown democrat who dropped out of the race four weeks ago. Jim M’s supporters in Westchester and Yorktown may give Hall an assist there. Democracy for Westchester also endorsed Hall. Most importantly, the New York State United Teachers which represents public school teachers in the district endorsed hall today. If the teachers and hospital workers really put effort into their Hall endorsements, that will multiply his already extensive resources. Finally -- folk and rock performers who support Hall will participate in a NYC Town Hall fundraising Concert on August 20, 2006. Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle and Nanci Griffith (See the Events Notice, for more details).

Judy Aydelott, who has had the lead in fundraising among the Democrats, has been hosting free community dinners around the District in which voter dissatisfaction with Sue Kelly has been the subject of discussion. Aydellot, an attorney and Iraq war opponent was formerly a Republican.

Darren Rigger, a political consultant running in the primary received, substantial financial support from the Ironworkers Union.

Ben Shuldiner, a NYC public high school principal, has featured a grass roots campaign with individual volunteers and staffer making contact with voters. As a recent feature in the North County New put it: “His campaign headquarters on Route 6 across from the Cortlandt Town Center can accommodate his full-time staff of 12, along with an inventory of “Ben for Congress” lawn signs, magnets, bumper stickers and fliers.
Meanwhile, his grandparents' Mohegan Lake home has been turned into a dormitory, with beds in the basement and first floor for some staffers - that is, when they get a chance to sleep."

NO WFP CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE IN THE 19th??

In an odd development, the NYS Board of Elections has upheld Kelly Campaign challenges to a Working Families Party petition in the 19th CD. Congressional Quarterly has the story:
http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/08/gop_rep_kelly_keeps_3rd_party.html

Steve Perez had told me the WFP planned to await the outcome of the Democratic Party primary before endorsing a challenger to Rep. Sue Kelly. They way they do that is to nominate a WFP member who then withdraws, allowing the WFP to endorse the Democrat. The State Board of Elections tossed the WFP petitions of Katonah attorney Alexander Eisemann, giving Kelly an unexpected boost. When I asked Perez about the merits of the challenges, he said he’d get back to me, but hasn’t at this time. If Sue Kelly can keep the winner of the Democratic Party Primary off the WFP line, she will have substantially increased her chances of keeping her seat. Will WFP appeal? Have they?

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