On Tuesday, June 26th, Democrats get to vote. Polls open at noon for NYs 23rd congressional
district primary. Five candidates are on the ballot and one will become the
nominee in November’s general election to represent us in Washington.
Campaigns are expensive.
Incumbents have a significant advantage, especially those openly seeking
patronage from special interests outside the district, as Tom Reed does.
According to FEC data, 366 of 377 PACs that donated to Reed
in 2017 were located outside the 23rd. During that same period, more than 81%
of individual donations came from outside the 23rd.
An incumbent can clearly raise more money, but in this case
it comes without a single vote in November. Not one vote.
Over the last five months, the “Reed-Free 23” fund raised
$21,000+ in small donations from NY23rd voters, to be transferred to the
nominee’s campaign after the primary. Unlike special interest money, this
effort promises countless votes for the Democratic nominee.
I know that in Allegany County, the Democratic committee
will donate $5,000 to the nominee – the largest amount allowed by law and
doubtless the largest donation ever made by that body. Every penny was raised locally, and these
supporters vote.
Karen Ash
Angelica, NY
