New York’s 19th congressional district race thus far includes an incumbent Republican and a well-heeled Democrat. Now, a write-in candidate from 2012 is trying once again to get on the ballot. WAMC’s Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne spoke with Thomas Jenkins.
Thomas Jenkins, a Woodstock resident, missed getting on the ballot in 2012 against incumbent Republican Chris Gibson and Democrat Julian Schreibman by 613 petition signatures. He is again trying to secure enough signatures to appear on the ballot, but says, if not, he will again run as a write-in. Jenkins faces Gibson and Democrat Sean Eldridge. Here’s Jenkins.
He refers to longtime former New York Democratic Congressman from the Hudson Valley Maurice Hinchey. Jenkins wants to run independently, that is, independent of any party, including the Independence Party. The Independence Party of New York in February endorsed Gibson for the 2014 election. Again, Jenkins.
He refers to the defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor by economics professor David Brat in a June GOP primary. Jenkins says it is time to elevate the U.S. when it comes to education, and provide better-paying jobs.
Article 1 Section 2 defines the House of Representatives. The 19th congressional district stretches across 11 counties.
