Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Conservative Convention Results

Earlier this evening, the Ulster County Conservative Committee met to decide on candidates.

At the very beginning, Kyle Barnett spoke and announced he was withdrawing from the race for Surrogate's Court and was supporting Mr. Matera.  He expressed his desire to see Conservative judges and did not want to see a split ticket. He got a large ovation.

In accepting the endorsement, Mr. Matera thanked Barnett for his kind words and for running "an honorable campaign".

The Committee endorsed Jack Hayes, a retired Trooper and former County Legislator, to challenge Kevin Cahill for Assembly.

Senator Amedore was also endorsed.

However, by a large margin, the County Conservatives refused to endorse John Bonacic citing his less than conservative voting record and his support of a downstate Senator for Majority Leader over the Upstate candidate.

By an even larger margin, the County Committee refused to endorse Bill Larkin.  The Committee also cited his betrayal of Upstate New York as well as his support for a left wing liberal Congressman in Orange County.

To be clear, since both districts are multi-county, it is likely that the State Committee will overrule the County and award the nominations to Bonacic and Larkin.  However, the County Committee sent a strong message to both Senators.

The Committee also endorsed Senator Seward and newcomers Maria Kelso and Bill Benucci for Assembly seats.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Conservative Convention on Tuesday

County Conservatives meet Tuesday night to decide on various races.

There could be fireworks over some State Senate endorsements.  Amedore should be fine, but many Conservatives are furious with Larkin, Seward, and particularly Bonacic.  If these 3 even show up, they can expect tough questions.

The most interesting fight will be for County Surtogate's Court.  Matera and Graf were each expected to win their party's endorsement and did.

Kyle Barnett intends to primary.  No word on McGinty yet.

Look for Matera and Barnett to battle it out with Matera going in to the convention with the advantage.