I'm not sure if Aubertine's campaign site is live yet, so I don't know if there is a place for you to contribute to the Joe Bruno Retirement Fund his race. Regardless, much more about this soon.
For now, here's the press release about the announcement.
Surrounded by Family & Friends, Darrel Aubertine Announces Senate Candidacy
Stresses Roots as Working Farmer and Results on Jobs, Healthcare and Education
On a three county tour of Northern & Central New York, Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) today announced his candidacy for the soon-to-be-vacant 48th State Senate district. He was joined at the three events by a broad cross section of the families in the district including farmers, sportsmen, small business owners, veterans and others.
"Since Jim Wright made his announcement a few weeks ago, I've thought a lot about this race and I've discussed it with my family and with
people from all over Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties," said Aubertine. "I've looked in their eyes and heard them tell me their concerns about the security of their jobs, the cost of their family's health care, the quality of their kids' education and their skyrocketing property taxes. Over and over, people are saying that they need a Senator who understands their lives, who knows the challenges they face, and who shares their concerns. So, today, I am humbly offering myself as their candidate for the 48th Senate district."
"I know what it means to get up early every day, to get out there in the rain or the snow, to get my hands dirty working to make sure that my family has food on the table and a roof over their heads," continued Aubertine. "With the voters' support, I'll bring those experiences to the Senate to make sure that the voices of the good people of this district are heard in the Legislature."
Aubertine is a sixth-generation farmer from Cape Vincent. For more than three decades, he was a full-time dairyman on his family's dairy farm. He got his start in town government more than a decade ago at the urging of a local Republican supervisor. Aubertine was later elected to county government, eventually serving as chairperson of the Jefferson County Legislature for two years - that even though there were 12 Republicans and 3 Democrats on the legislature at the time.
In 2002, he was elected to represent the 118th Assembly District, which includes parts of Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. In the Assembly, he has served on the Committees on Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation and Industry; Energy; and Higher Education, among others.
Aubertine cited several issues that he plans to focus on in his campaign for State Senate, including efforts to retain and attract good-paying jobs; to improve access to affordable health care; to make smart investments in education; and to rein in property taxes. He pointed to his record in the Assembly on these and other issues as proof of his effectiveness, and his life as a farmer as the reason for his focus on these critical issues.
"I know what it is like to pay more than $800 a month for my family's health insurance," said Aubertine. "Because of that, I sponsored a law that allows more rural families to participate in Family Health Plus."
In addition, Aubertine also helped secure $400,000 for the North Country Children's clinic. He sponsored a law to extend Empire Zone credits to agriculture cooperative members. And he secured over $13 Million more for schools in his district in his first term in office alone.
Aubertine acknowledged the challenge of this race, but stressed his ability to work hard and overcome these challenges.
"This race won't be easy. I know that. But nothing worthwhile ever is," said Aubertine. "I am no stranger to hard work, and I'll certainly work hard in this campaign to meet every voter in this district and make sure their concerns are heard. And if, by the will of the voters and the grace of God, I am elected to the Senate, I promise you that no one will work harder than me for their constituents."
