2 years ago
The Siena College Research Institute released a poll Wednesday that showed the race in New York Senate District 61 is still anybody's game.
Of those polled, 40% said they would vote for the Democratic candidate, boxer Joe Mesi. Another 38% said they would vote for Republican Erie County Legislator Mike Ranzenhofer and 22% remained undecided.
The race has big implications this election season with every seat counting in the New York State Senate. Republicans currently hold a one-seat majority. The Assembly is already controlled by Democrats.
The Mesi-Ranzenhofer race for Senate District 61 is an effort to fill the seat being vacated by Mary Lou Rath.
Ranzenhofer is running on his experience as a county legislator while Mesi, a newcomer to politics, is promoting a fresh perspective in Albany.
"People right now are looking for change and they have an option right now. They have an option in bright, new leadership for our future or they have an option for the failed policies of the past," Mesi said.
In contrast, Ranzenhofer questioned whether Mesi had enough experience to get things done. He said he'd immediately begin fighting for property tax relief and across-the-board spending cuts and he said he'd use his experience to make it happen.
"I have the backbone to stand up to the special interests," Ranzenhofer said.
With the election 41 days away and so many voters still undecided, neither candidate was putting much emphasis on the polling. Both said they'd spend the next month and a half articulating their message and trying to capitalize on those who still haven't made up their minds.
