Ballot Count Begins in NY GOP Primary Races

Election officials are set to begin counting hundreds of absentee ballots that could decide the political careers of two Republican senators who voted to legalize same-sex marriage in New York.

The count will decide if Sens. Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie and Roy McDonald of Saratoga County will advance to the general election in November.

The tally begins Thursday, but may not be completed and could be subject to challenge.

Saland faces Neil DiCarlo of Brewster in the 41st District primary in the lower Hudson Valley.

McDonald faces Kathleen Marchione in the 43rd District. After recanvassing in Saratoga County, Machione’s lead of 122 votes was cut down to 106 votes.

The senators' critical votes for gay marriage in June 2011 were a major primary issue.

On Wednesday, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo called them men of integrity who cast courageous votes, knowing it could cost them their political careers.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press