Any voter wondering if their vote really matters only needs to look at how close the 46th Senate District race was two years, with a little more than a dozen ballots deciding the race.
Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk was generally considered the underdog when she ran for the newly drawn 46th Senate District, but more than two months after the polls closed, a legal battle gave her the edge needed to secure the seat. Republican George Amedore had been initially declared the winner, but after the state Supreme Court Third Judicial Department’s Appellate Division unanimously ruled that 99 more disputed ballots could be counted, he saw his lead disappear.
A fierce campaign ensued two years ago, and time appears to have only increased the rivalry between Tkaczyk and Amedore.
There are some new undercurrents rippling through the rematch, such as the passage of the SAFE Act, implementation of the Common Core and the New York Women’s Equality Act. The race could also determine what party holds a majority in the state Senate, with Democrats likely to maintain a majority in the state Assembly.
While neither candidate voted on the SAFE Act, both derided its expedited implementation. Amedore is calling for an outright repeal. Tkaczyk supports amending the law to improve it, and she has voted accordingly.
The Women’s Equality Act reignited the political divide over abortion statewide, with Amedore and Tkaczyk falling along party lines.
Common Core standards have created a new sparring point for candidates with most upset with its hasty implementation.
Tkaczyk has said she supports taking a measured approach to refine and improve upon Common Core in classrooms, but Amedore wants it entirely thrown out. Both have agreed more educational opportunities are needed for skilled labor and other pathways outside of college.
Amedore has tried to push aside hydraulic fracturing as even being an issue, at least during one debate, and said the “State of New York is not going to be fracking.” In two debates he has used this to pivot to the importance of solar energy to the state.
Tkaczyk rode the anti-fracking wave during her first campaign, and while the issue has subsided somewhat, it’s still a constant talking point in many races. She continues to strongly oppose it, regardless of the looming state report on its safety.
Political ads of have covered the airwaves and plenty of fliers have reached residents’ doors. Both accuse the other of skewing their record and supporting outside interests.
Voters will decide on Election Day if Tkaczyk is the right choice going forward, after two years in office, or if Amedore should take her seat. Regardless, neither candidate likely desires another lengthy legal battle after the polls close this year.
