After months of campaigning, it’s finally primary day across New York. WAMC’s Tristan O’Neill reports…
Turnout in the Congressional primaries is expected to be low. It's been years since New York has had a June primary. Voting is normally held in September.
Among those looking for voter support is embattled Representative Charles Rangel. He's hoping the people in his Harlem district will send him back to Washington for the 22nd time. He's facing challengers including State Senator Adriano Espaillat, who is hoping to become the first Dominican-American in Congress.
Three Republicans are competing for the chance to take on a well-funded Kirsten Gillibrand for the U.S. Senate.
Attorney Wendy Long, Nassau County comptroller George Maragos and U.S. Rep. Bob Turner are on the Republican primary ballot. Gillibrand already has an advantage with more than $9 million in campaign cash.
This will be her second campaign for the Senate since she was appointed in 2009 to replace Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. She now seeks a full six-year term.
Elsewhere, five Democrats face off in a busy 18th district Congressional race to face Republican incumbent Nan Hayworth.
Tristan O’Neill, WAMC News.