- Paloma Capanna, a candidate who is running arguably the most grassroots campaign in the state against Republican Sen. Michael Nozzolio. Nozzolio has never faced a challenge to his seat in the 54th Senate District.
Each candidate spoke and gave brief remarks (see below the fold). If you listen to anyone's remarks, please listen to Capanna's. She gave the most passionate speech I have ever seen in such a short amount of time about the need to replace these Republicans. I really liked Barber's remarks too considering it was the first I've had the chance to see him in person.
There are few things you won't see in these videos. Something Sen. Smith said really resonated with me, especially during this election season. The Republicans will play the downstate card any chance they get because that's really all they have against the Democrats. Sen. Smith stressed "One New York" during his remarks, some of which you will see on video and some of which weren't recorded.
Democrats are united statewide, whether it's Brian Foley running against Sen. Caesar Trunzo or Joe Mesi running for an open seat here in Western New York. We have real chances to win seats on Long Island, in New York City, retain a key seat in the North Country, win seats in the Southern Tier and pick up a few seats here in Western New York. Having three of our leaders from the Senate who represent New York City districts come to upstate and show their strong support for candidates means a lot. There are a lot of key races up here and they are clearly paying attention.
At the event today, the future majority leader led off things before introducing the candidates:
