By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-921419.mp3
Albany, NY – The Democratic primary for Albany County's 46th State Senate District seat pits challenger Luke Martland against seven-term incumbent Neil Breslin. The two are preparing for a Wednesday evening debate... Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
The debate is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Albany County. Each candidate will make opening remarks, then they'll tackle questions written in advance by members of the audience. Luke Martland criticizes Breslin, saying he represents the status quo. Breslin doesn't believe Martland has struck a chord with voters. Martland counters he's been out campaigning door-to-door: after giving up his job in March to become a "full time candidate."
Neither candidate has any idea what questions they'll face in debate : Breslin has been criticized after a television news report aired showing he misunderstood a piece of legislation he championed. Viewers may have perceived Breslin as "caught off guard" - he plays down the incident. It's more likely the two may field questions about whether it's appropriate for Breslin, the chairman of the Senate's Insurance Committee, to accept campaign contributions from insurance companies, an issue Martland has raised.
According to Martland, it's going to be a "close race," and if he wins the primary he'll continue... if he loses, he says he's finished. Breslin says "it's a democracy" and welcomes Martland's challenge for his seat.
Martland and Breslin are scheduled to debate at 7 p.m. Place: Thalma Lally School of Education, College of St. Rose 1009 Madison Avenue, Albany. The debate is scheduled to last one hour. Parking is available across the street in the "Event Parking" area.