Friday, May 30, 2008

Republican drops out of one Congressional race; not joining another

David Bellavia is dropping out of New York's 26th congressional race, and he is dismissing all talk that he might run for New York's 28th.

The Batavia native is an Iraq war vet and an author. He was campaigning for Tom Reynolds' soon-to-be-vacant seat, before Republican support swung behind Chris Lee. Bellavia was mentioned as a possible Republican opponent for Louise Slaughter, but he has ruled that out.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Bellavia to take on Louise?

According to the Buffalo News, David Bellavia is being urged by some in the Republican Party to focus on winning another district, the 28th, held by Louise Slaughter.


In the two months since comparing Barack Obama to Tiger Woods, Bellavia has gone from GOP frontrunner in the 26th District, to being replaced in the conversation by Chris Lee. Both were seeking the seat held by retiring Rep. Tom Reynolds.


Bellavia lives in Batavia, which is not part of the 28th district. That's not a problem. Candidates for the U.S. House need only live in New York.


The move would essentially hand Lee the nomination, and it would find a candidate for the GOP to run against Slaughter. The aptly-named Slaughter has won her last two re-election campaigns in a landslide, each by more than 70% of the vote.


- In other news from NY's 26th, Alice Kryzan is opening her new campaign headquarters Thursday in Williamsville. She's seeking the Democratic nod, as are Jon Powers and Jack Davis.


- This is a stretch, but this week's Dale Sweetland lookalike is Mick Hucknall of Simply Red.