| The senior member of the New York State Senate upstate Democratic delegation, Bill Stachowski (pictured, at left, with Senator Chuck Schumer), is vulnerable. The race in 2008 was proof of that. He hasn't been helped by the leadership deal made this time last year that led to Stachowski losing the Finance Committee chair he was in line to receive (he was the ranking member while in the minority) and the same committee chair post that he was telling voters he would receive once Democrats are in the majority.
 The Democratic challengers in the 58th Senate District are lining up, citing the need to reform Albany and Stachowski's long tenure in the Senate. The list, according to the Buffalo News, includes the following names:
- Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy (pictured at right) has emerged as the top contender among Democrats. Kennedy will announce his candidacy on January 8 and is the early threat to Stachowski. Stachowski seems at least a little worried about Kennedy (from the News):
"I thought he just ran for re-election and told the people of his district he would be serving them," Stachowski said. "He hasn't even been sworn in yet, and he's looking to leave."
Kennedy has said he would welcome the support of Tom Golisano and Responsible New York. Kennedy does have the backing of Steve Pigeon, who helped orchestrate the Senate coup. The irony there shouldn't be lost on anyone. A guy who is trying to run a reform platform running with the support of the guy who was the main player in throwing the Senate into disarray.
- Another county legislator, Daniel Kozub, has also expressed interest in running. Kozub previously served on the Lackawanna City Council and is a fiscal conservative. He would be similar to Stachowski in that respect.
- Other names include: Sean Cooney, an attorney from Buffalo; Lackawanna Mayor Norman Polanski; Cheektowaga Councilman James Rogowski; Hamburg attorney Dennis Gaughan; Michael Kuzma, a legislative assistant to Buffalo Common Council President David A. Franczyk.
The Buffalo News article indicated that Kuzma would run a "left-of-center" platform. What that is exactly remains to be seen. A good progressive candidate would be nice in the district, but a moderate might make the best possible candidate to not only beat Stachowski but win the general election.
The key in this race is to find someone who can do both. Defeating Stachowski in a primary and then losing in the general is not the goal. But we also need someone who might be more of a liability (Kennedy) than an asset. While it is good to primary an incumbent senator, especially one who has worn out his or her welcome, there needs to be a strong candidate to replace the ineffective one. Kennedy's candidacy raises plenty of questions. His dealings in the past with Republicans and Chris Collins make him a questionable choice. There is a long time until Primary Day so this battle will play out. If Kennedy shows he can be a reformer, he might be worth a look. But the other candidates are worth a look too.
There will be plenty of action in SD-58 this year between the primary and general election. Stachowski is in real danger, not only among members of his own party, but in the general election as well. That's why the primary is important. If the right candidate wins, then the general should not be difficult. |
