Democrat Susan Savage loses bid to defeat longtime incumbent
Voters have decided to stay with incumbent Hugh Farley, who was elected to the New York State Senate in 1976.
Incumbent Farley, R-Niskayuna, gained another term representing the state’s 44th Senate District and defeated opponent Susan Savage, D-Niskayuna, according to unofficial results. Farley held a lead of at least 20 percent in unofficial results.
I am absolutely overjoyed by one of the biggest wins I have ever had, said Farley.
Unofficial Results from 100 percent of Schenectady County had Farley with 26,983 votes, 60.12 percent, and Savage with 17,747 votes, 39.54 percent. Also, unofficial results from Saratoga County had Farley with 12,944 votes and Savage with 6,612 votes. In Montgomery County with all election districts reporting the results were similar with Farley receiving 8,649 votes, 68 percent, and Savage with 4,097 votes, 32 percent.
Susan Savage had been trailing in polls and Farley was expected to win another term.
Farley’s campaign headquarters celebrated as he gave his victory speech.
`This is the most rewarding race that I think I have ever won, because it was one of the nastiest and negative races that I have ever faced,` said Farley during his victory speech, as results seemed to solidify his victory. `I just can’t get over the results that as there coming in. I know it is early to start declaring victory, but I’ll tell you I’m pretty confident and I thank you all.`
Farley said he tried to take the `high road` during the campaign and he thought it was a successful choice.
`I’m so grateful for the support that I have received in all four of my counties,` said Farley. `I think that [voters] believe I have represented this area, this district, with honor and integrity and I don’t think they believed the things that were being said against me.`
The charges made against Farley by Savage, he thought were `distortions` that didn’t seem to resonate with voters. He said was anxious to take back the state Senate and to try to put the state back on `sound fiscal footing.`
Farley thought the senate majority is going to work with the new governor to resolve fiscal concerns in the state. The one party rule wasn’t effective according to him.
`One party rule does not work and that’s why the people of this state are putting the Republicans back,` said Farley.
On Wednesday, Savage released a statement saying she hopes those elected work to end the `dysfunction` in state government.
`Now that this campaign is over, those in Albany have an obligation to end the decades of dysfunction and finger-pointing, and focus on what really matters to families in the 44th District, which is job creation and rebuilding the Upstate economy,` said Savage.“
