Reader Elmer sends today's Corning Leader front page [pdf], which has a story about the Corning Mayoral election. Former Mayor Tom Coccho is talking about a run because current Mayor Tom Reed is seriously considering a run for the 29th seat.
“If the opportunity presents itself, I’d be flattered and consider it,” Reed said. “It’s something I would think heavily about and I would seriously consider.”
Reed said he'd make his re-election decision by the start of next month.
My guess is that, if Reed chooses not to run, he'll probably be Massa's Republican opponent in 2010. He'll need the rest of this year and the beginning of next to start fundraising, so an early start is smart. None of the other establishment players (such as George Winner and Maggie Brooks) have shown any serious interest in the seat. Reed is well-regarded in Corning, so his main challenge will be getting some name recognition in the Rochester area.
Comments
Name recognition Rochester? How about anywhere outside Steuben County (and maybe Chemung County)? That makes for a lot of places he has to build name recognition.
Good luck with that.
True, but I still think a relative unknown from the Tier has a better chance than one from Pittsford or Henrietta.
At least Corning would be assured of having a congressman from there for another 2 years. That would also mean that Steuben County would be the home base of a congressman for 26 years in a row.
Another reason Winner won't run. :)
So how does that make Reed representational of the rest of the district? As a Conservative in Ontario County, I want to know how having another Congressman from Steuben County benefits the other counties in the 29th Congressional District.
It doesn't.
I think the winning candidate will come from the Southern Tier, because Republicans from that area will cross over for a favorite son (Massa) otherwise.
Speaking of Ontario County conservatives, isn't Bill Nojay from there? He was mentioned as a possible candidate earlier.
Winner comes across as slick, almost too polished. Reed and Massa come across as just ordinary guys. If Massa was to be beat, it is my guess that Reed would have a much better chance than Winner.
How do you think a US Army officer/major Iraq war vet, former lawmaker would do in this area? Reed seems like a b teamer. Joe
If that person had some solid policy positions and could articulate them well, he or she would be a strong candidate. But service, by itself, isn't going to get the job done. Jon Powers over in NY-26 is a good example of how service can get your foot in the door but won't get you elected.
Yes the Jon Powers web site lacked any vision or clarity of why he ran. Not sure the military service helps him as a D and he made too much of it. I'm sure his race came down to fundraising and getting the word out, if he couldnt win in the Obama wave... good luck next time!