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State Senate Candidate Christian Klueg Calls Nomination Process Corrupt

Christian Klueg/Twitter

After he announced his intention to run for State Senate in 2015, Republican Christian Klueg says that he contacted party officials across the 49th Senate District. Klueg says he experienced a lack of communication from GOP committees, saying many had already endorsed Senator Hugh Farley, now retiring after 40 years in the legislature.

“It’s been frustrating to see the corruption that exists at all levels of the political process. And the reason I am running for this seat is that I’m fed up with the corruption in Albany and the out-of-touch politicians representing us,” said Klueg.

Though he announced his candidacy several months before Farley would announce his upcoming retirement, Republicans are now lining up behind Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, who has represented the Capital Region since 1983.

Klueg is not wavering in his primary bid.

“I was challenging a 40-year incumbent career politicians from the beginning. So now I’m challenging a 34-year politicians that’s supported by the establishment. So, honestly, I don’t see a big difference,” said Klueg.

Klueg, who lives in Northville and works as a real estate appraiser in his offices across the 49th, is also facing a primary challenge from Northville attorney Nancy Nugent.

As part of his message against long-tenured lawmakers, Klueg supports term limits. He also criticizes the planned upstate minimum wage increase to $12.50 an hour as too steep, and believes New York should cut taxes and invest in infrastructure to attract business.

Klueg says he questions the effectiveness of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Start-Up NY program, which has also been criticized by the state’s Democratic Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Klueg also questions New York’s large economic development projects that are now being probed by federal investigators.

“So we need to be taking money away from these pork projects, which is what they are, and putting them into the real purpose of government, which is infrastructure,” said Klueg.

As Klueg’s campaign moves into the homestretch before the September primary, he says he is encouraged by supporters saying they are ready for a change.

“We’ve seen the same old Albany politics year after year. And when I go meet with voters, everyone is ready for a change. And I think it’s time that Albany starts listening to the voters,” said Klueg.

If victorious in the primary, Klueg would go on to face Democrat Chad Putman in November.

Lucas Willard is a reporter and host at WAMC Northeast Public Radio, which he joined in 2011.
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