Free Republic

From the moment he launched his campaign, Steve Wells looked like a shoo-in to win the Republican primary election for Congress. He had all the money he needed, an experienced campaign team and the backing of local and national Republican leaders. He was running against an unknown political novice, Brandon Williams, who didn’t live in the new 22nd Congressional District in Central New York. Wells had deep roots in the community, raising a family in Madison County and operating a business in Onondaga County. Williams made Cayuga County his permanent home in 2019, where he and his wife started a...

Republicans panned Hochul's decision to appoint Benjamin as lieutenant governor. The critics include state Sen. Peter Oberacker, an Otsego County Republican. Oberacker highlighted his differences with Benjamin on criminal justice issues. But he expressed willingness to work with the incoming lieutenant governor. "While I disagree with his stance on these and other policies, I stand ready to educate Senator Benjamin about issues important to constituents of the 51st Senate District in hopes we can find some common ground," he said.

AUBURN NY The Cayuga County Legislature won't get involved in international politics. Members of the Legislature's Government Operations Committee on Tuesday said they would not endorse an anti-war resolution requested by the newly formed Cayuga Coalition For Peace. It's not that the Legislature favors armed conflict with Iraq, but it's not their bailiwick to decide U.S. policy, lawmakers said. Florence Smith, a member of the peace group and a longtime community activist, approached Legislature Chairman Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius, with the idea, which she said she also plans to put before Auburn Mayor Melina Carnicelli. Lockwood referred Smith to Jeffrey Blauvelt,...

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...