Now that we have all figured out who has the most money in the race for assembly in the 109th, what happens next? Is the most money supposed to be some sort of barometer in determining a frontrunner? To date all I see is a bunch of lawn signs, which to me only signifies allegiance to a particular ward. It’s been to long that the citizens of Albany have had to choose a candidate in a significant Democratic primary election. Usually, the endorsement of the party, which did not occur this year, is good enough to seal the deal. Now we have six candidates, and aside from the signs, how do the voters decide? One ten minute spiel at a CANA or League of Women’s Voters meeting is not going to get it done. The only way that I find out what the candidates are up to is on Twitter. I live in the 15th Ward, and aside from Commisso and one walk through by Higgins, there is no other presence. Can’t Pat Fahy send out mailers in my ward. There’s so much of that money out there, why not try spending some of it. Do not let this race be decided on name recognition. Believe me, if you put that many candidates in front of Albany voters, unless you give them a reason otherwise, they will vote for a name they recognize. Even if the candidate is not the right choice.……….On the subject of campaign finance. David Soares has out-raised challenger Lee Kindlon in the primary race for District Attorney by $3000. It appears that, according to a story yesterdays TU, the DA has upped his coffers primarily through the donating of local builder — of anything in the city of Albany — BBL. Soares’ campaign said that because of the reduction in crime, made responsible by the DA, developers were becoming interested in downtown Albany. That was a pretty interesting breakdown of donations. A pretty interesting way of telling the voters it all came from the same place. Lee Kindlon said that Soares has turned his back on the people who helped get him elected in 2004. His list of donors included a variety of well known area attorney’s and business people — including his father — whose support will get him the win in September. Albany County people are sick of David Soares. His handling of that occupy Albany mess alone pissed-off a lot of people. I hope those two get to publicly go head to head. Then let the voters decide.
And that is “The Daily Take”