The top political dollars for Democratic Assemblyman Al Stirpe are coming from his own party.
That’s a hefty $214,000 from the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, according to campaign finance reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections. The donation is the single largest contribution to Stirpe’s 2008 re-election campaign for the 121st Assembly District.
Assemblyman Ron Canestrari is chairman of the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee and majority leader in the New York State Assembly. He says the committee supports Stirpe because:
“Stirpe’s been effective and he is a good friend of mine and I want to help him.” (Ron Canestrari)
In the 121st Assembly district, Stirpe was first elected in 2006. This year he is opposed by Republican David Knapp. The 121st District includes Cicero, Clay, LaFayette, Manlius and Pompey.
Some highlights of Stirpe’s fundraising for re-election, from the state board of elections’ reports:
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Stirpe’s campaign has raised $462,178 since July of 2006.
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Of that, $425,677 has been raised since October of 2007. This compares to Republican challenger David Knapp’s total fundraising of $77,940.
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Stirpe’s campaign has spent $418,526. That leaves $43,652 cash in hand.
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46 percent — that $214,000 — comes from the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee.
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8 percent — or $34,796 — came from political action committees that make contributions for groups.
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The remaining 46 percent — or $213,382 — comes from individual donors.
One of Stirpe’s supporters is the New York State Nurses Association. It has contributed a total of $4,499 to Stirpe’s campaign since January 2007.
Shaun Flynn is the association’s director of governmental affairs. He says Stirpe is one of 29 Assembly members who receive the group’s financial contributions.
“We have a strong endorsement for Al Stirpe. He has a fantastic record and is well-liked by our members in the district.” (Shaun Flynn)
This is the second time the nurses’ association has endorsed Stirpe. In his previous term, Stirpe co-sponsored a bill that banned mandatory overtime for New York state nurses. The nurses’ association endorsed the bill. The bill passed in the Assembly, but not in the Senate.
Election day is November 4th.
For Democracywise, I’m Stacy Lange.
(Stacy Lange is a junior in broadcast journalism.)
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