A Toss Up in the 24th District of NY

• I have chosen to follow the Congressional race in the 24th District of New York because it looks to be a toss up with an interesting history. Firstly in 2008 incumbent Michael Arcuri (D) beat out his current opponent Richard Hanna (R) taking 52% of the vote winning his spot by a slim 4% margin. Arcuri, first won his seat in the House in 2006, becoming the first democrat to represent the district since 1983 and only the second democrat in 106 years. 

Michael Arcuri

                                                              

Richard Hanna

• In May “The Washington Post” made a list of the top 30 house races that are most likely to have parties switch. Arcuri was listed at number 16. The Post noted that Arcuri has lost much of his support having to go outside of the 24th district for campaign contributions. His opponent, Hanna, out raised him in the first quarter by $150,000 receiving 91% of his contributions from within the 24th Congressional District.

• However according to a recent poll conducted August 29-31 by Benenson Strategy Group that surveyed 400 likely voters Arcuri leads Hanna 50% to 37%. In response to this Hanna’s spokeswoman bitterly contested the results stating that other polls show “completely different results” and that voters are tired of paying higher taxes that have ruined upstate New York’s economy. Arcuri’s spokesman said the only poll that matters is the one on Novemeber 2nd.

• Michael Arcuri a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition and former District Attorney has a reputation as one of the most centrist members of the House with a voting record of 50.2% liberal and 49.8% conservative. Richard Hanna on the other hand is a self-made businessman who is simply concerned with the condition of upstate New York. It seems that Hanna would be the more fitting victor in this race for a seat in a traditionally Republican district. Some polls however indicate that the race may be closer than others have predicted.