A quick update for residents of New York State’s 25th congressional district, long held by right wing Republican James Walsh: A month ago, I briefly discussed the campaign of Paloma Capanna to challenge Congressman Walsh in 2006. Since that time, two other Democrats have joined the campaign for the Democratic nomination for this seat in the House of Representatives.
Ken Howland, a teacher who has lived on both ends of the long east-west district, is now a Democrat but ran for Congress as a Republican back in 1980. Howland’s main issue is the Iraq War, which he opposes. His web site promises that a full discussion of issues will be made available in January 2006, but for now, Howland identifies the following as the most important themes of his campaign: campaign finance reform, health care reform, securing Social Security, improving education, tax reform, jobs, fair wages, and investigations into war profiteering. Personally, I’d like to know the details on just what kind of reforms Howland proposes for campaign finance, health care, and taxes, and am looking forward to more concrete policy statements in the near future.
Dan Maffei is another candidate, from the Syracuse end of the district, with a good deal of campaign experience under his belt – working behind the scenes. Maffei’s web site contains personal information about the candidate, but lacks any information about Maffei’s stands on important political issues, leaving voters to wonder exactly what Maffei stands for besides himself. Like Kirsten Gillibrand in District 20, Maffei claims that his campaign is not yet official, although he’s got a campaign committee, is accepting donations, and is talking to local reporters.
Of the three candidates, Paloma Capanna gives the impression of the best organization and command of the issues. Although her location in the less populous western end of the district will be a challenge for her in the primary, she looks like the most competent Democrat to face James Walsh on Election Day 2006.
As for James Walsh, he is reacting to all three Democratic candidates with the kind of callous arrogance that residents of District 25 have become accustomed to from his office. Congressman Walsh merely insults the three candidates by calling them “Little League” in comparison to his power.
A warning to you, Congressman Walsh: In a Democracy, the government is not only supposed to represent the interests of the powerful. Come November, it will be the little people who turn out to vote.
