WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. Special to The CitizeNetReporter. January 14, 2010 UPDATED 11:15 P.M. E.S.T.: Peter Harckham, the County Legislator from Katonah, defeated White Plains Alison Greene by a 13,000 to 7,000 "weighted" vote on the second ballot tonight at the County Democratic Convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the nomination to run for White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley's 89th District New York state Assembly Seat, which Mr. Bradley vacated when he became Mayor.
At the County Republican Convention, Rob Castelli was nominated for the 89th Seat. Mr. Castelli, speaking to WPCNR this evening, said he is hoping to obtain the Conservative and Independence Party lines as well. He said Harckham is vulnerable having supported Andy Spano on many issues as County Legislator, the recent affordable housing settlement in particular.
Harckham and Castelli have 4 weeks before the Special Election coming up February 9.
Mr. Harckham, quoted in a news release, gave this statement:
“I am extremely humbled and gratified to have earned the trust and support of my fellow Democrats. With just a few short weeks to go before the election, I will strive to be worthy of that trust, and to present the voters of the 89th Assembly District with a strong voice to restore confidence and accountability in Albany. I promise to run a strong, clean, competitive campaign that brings our message of new hope and confidence to the people of our district.”
Dr. Clifford Gevirtz, our correspondent reports, withdrew before the first ballot. Charlotte Watson did not withdraw, and after she finished third in the first vote, Harckham and Greene contended.
Harckham will face a Republican candidate, reported to be Rob Castelli whom Adam Bradley defeated in 2004 in his bid for reelection for the 89th Assembly District seat,25,571 votes to 17,457.
Our correspondent said that Ms. Greene made a gracious speech in support of Mr. Harckham, and he, in turn, made an equally gracious acceptance speech.
