An expensive primary season
Primary season is becoming an economic stimulus program all its own.
State lawmakers are conducting one of the most expensive primary seasons in the last decade, an analysis from the New York Public Interest Research Group found.
According to the good-government group, three of the most expensive primary races are being held this year. Seventh on the list is the battle between Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy and Assemblyman Greg Ball, R-Patterson, Putnam County, who are competing for a seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Vincent Leibell. The winner faces Democrat Mike Kaplowitz. Senate Republicans have made no secret about offering financial and material support to Murphy for the race.
So far, the Republicans have spent a combined $289,000 on the race.
Another costly race is between Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, a Bronx Democrat and Gustavo Rivera are also locked in an expensive primary battle. The campaigns have spent $231,537 in the race. Perhaps the most vulnerable Senate Democrat, Bill Stachowski of Buffalo, has poured $177,555 into the campaign. His primary puts him against Tim Kennedy and Mike Kuzma. So far, the Democrats have spent nearly $400,000 on the right to challenge the Republican nominee, Assemblyman Jack Quinn.
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