New York 26: Democrats to Nominate Hochul on Sunday
March 19, 2011 · 1:45 PM EDT
Democratic leaders in New York’s 26th district will officially nominate Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul on Sunday evening, according to a knowledgeable source.
Hochul will face state Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R) in the special election to replace ex-Rep. Chris Lee (R), who resigned after he allegedly contacted a woman on Craigslist that wasn’t his wife.
Along with the Republican line on the ballot, Corwin also secured the Conservative and Independence party lines, making it difficult for a repeat of the special election in New York’s 23rd district when Republicans were divided between candidates on the GOP and Conservative lines.
Former Democratic candidate Jack Davis and former Iraq War veteran David Bellavia sought the GOP nomination this year but are now gathering signatures to create their own lines on the ballot. The deadline to collect enough signatures to qualify for the ballot is Monday. The election is May 24.
Republicans are favored to hold the seat.
Steve Peoples contributed to this report.