Cayuga GOP backs Walrath (for Congress over RINO Boehlert)

AUBURN (NY) CITIZEN ^ | 6/24/02 | Russ Tarby

[Behind Liberal Lines]

AUBURN NY- The Cayuga County Republican Committee has endorsed Dr. David Walrath, R-Sennett, over incumbent Congressman Sherwood Boehlert. The committee heard each candidate speak for about 10 minutes before voting here Sunday evening.

Redistricting recently placed 20 of Cayuga County's 23 towns in the 24th Congressional District, represented by 10-term U.S. Rep. Boehlert, R-New Hartford.

On Sunday, Boehlert and Walrath each spoke to more than 120 members of the county's GOP committee at the Ukrainian National Club, 113 Cottage St. After the committee caucused, Walrath, a surgeon at Auburn Memorial Hospital, came away with the endorsement.

"Both men made excellent presentations," said Cayuga County GOP Chairman Michael Chapman. "They touched on many issues of importance to Cayuga County residents, but after going through a very thoughtful process, the committee majority went for Dr. Walrath.

"The doc's got a shot," exclaimed Steve Netti, R-Auburn, one of Walrath's colleagues on the county Legislature.

It's still a long shot

Boehlert's 20 years in office gives him name recognition, and the new district he represents poses a geographical challenge to any candidate, especially to a lesser-known challenger.

The new congressional district is a huge, U-shaped district, comprised of parts of 11 counties, sprawling from Cooperstown to Geneva, while skirting Onondaga County. Nine of the GOP committees in those 11 towns have already endorsed the incumbent, and the final county to caucus, Seneca County, will make its endorsement tonight, having met with candidates personally at a previous date.

While Boehlert has been the Mohawk Valley's congressman for two decades, he's considered by most political observers as one of the most liberal of the House's Republican representatives. Walrath, on the other hand, is an outspoken conservative.

"Boehlert is known as a moderate," Chapman said. "Dr. Walrath is well-known as a conservative and that played a part in his getting our endorsement. Cayuga County is a very conservative area."

[Behind Liberal Lines]

While Boehlert has been the Mohawk Valley's congressman for two decades, he's considered by most political observers as one of the most liberal of the House's Republican representatives.

Lifetime ACU ranking of 36, if I recall correctly.

This man is the definition of a "RINO."

[Behind Liberal Lines]

Upstate NY ping

[Soaring Feather]

bttt

Stamp out Rino's

This man is the definition of a "RINO.

[Betty Jane]

Two years ago, he had aprimary challenger who came within 5% of unseating him. The challenger was an unknown who spent less than $30,000. The seat is a Republican seat. This is a good sign.

[WellsFargo94]

That's actually Central New York! ; )

[warfrat]

I live in this district and am looking forward to voting for Walrath. Many of my freinds are voting for him too. the state correction pba supports him and there are a lot of state correction officers that live in this district including myself..watch out boehlert it's time for a change!