2008 United States House of Representatives elections in New York

The 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in New York were held on November 4, 2008, to elect the 29 U.S. representatives from the State of New York, one from each of the state's 29 congressional districts. state of New York in the United States House of Representatives. New York has 29 seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009, until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election in which Democrat Barack Obama defeated Republican John McCain by a wide margin.

2008 United States House of Representatives elections in New York

← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →

All 29 New York seats to the United States House of Representatives elections
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Democratic Republican
Last election 23 6
Seats before 23 6
Seats won 26 3
Seat change Increase 3 Decrease 3
Popular vote 4,286,047 2,043,162
Percentage 67.07% 31.97%

     Democratic hold      Democratic gain
     Republican hold

The districts with congressional races not forecast as "safe" for the incumbent party were New York's congressional districts 13, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 29.

The Democratic Party gained three seats in New York's congressional delegation in the 2008 elections. In New York's 13th congressional district, Democrat Michael McMahon defeated Robert Straniere to win the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Vito Fossella. In New York's 25th congressional district, Democrat Dan Maffei defeated Republican Dale Sweetland to win the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Jim Walsh. In New York's 29th congressional district, Democrat Eric Massa defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Randy Kuhl.[1] Beginning in 2009, New York's congressional delegation consisted of a lopsided 26 Democrats and 3 Republicans. In the history of New York state politics, this represents the best performance by any one party, as a proportion of total seats, in state history. Republicans suffered in the fallout of the financial crisis, but regained seats in the following elections.

Overview

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Votes by district

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Candidates on multiple ballot lines are marked as the party they caucus with.

District Democratic Republican Others Total Result
Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes
District 1 162,083 58.38% 115,545 41.62% 0 0.00% 277,628 Democratic Hold
District 2 161,279 66.94% 79,641 33.06% 0 0.00% 240,920 Democratic Hold
District 3 97,525 36.08% 172,774 63.92% 0 0.00% 270,299 Republican Hold
District 4 164,028 64.01% 92,242 35.99% 0 0.00% 256,270 Democratic Hold
District 5 112,724 71.00% 43,039 27.11% 3,010 1.90% 158,773 Democratic Hold
District 6 141,180 100.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 141,180 Democratic Hold
District 7 118,459 84.65% 21,477 15.35% 0 0.00% 139,936 Democratic Hold
District 8 160,775 80.45% 39,062 19.55% 0 0.00% 199,837 Democratic Hold
District 9 112,205 93.05% 8,378 6.95% 0 0.00% 120,583 Democratic Hold
District 10 155,090 94.19% 9,565 5.81% 0 0.00% 164,655 Democratic Hold
District 11 168,562 92.76% 11,644 6.41% 1,517 0.83% 181,723 Democratic Hold
District 12 123,053 89.95% 13,748 10.05% 0 0.00% 136,801 Democratic Hold
District 13 114,219 60.95% 62,441 33.32% 10,746 5.73% 187,406 Democratic Gain
District 14 183,239 79.92% 43,385 18.92% 2,659 1.16% 229,283 Democratic Hold
District 15 177,151 89.17% 15,676 7.89% 5,849 2.94% 198,676 Democratic Hold
District 16 127,179 96.59% 4,488 3.41% 0 0.00% 131,667 Democratic Hold
District 17 161,594 79.88% 40,707 20.12% 0 0.00% 202,301 Democratic Hold
District 18 174,791 68.47% 80,498 31.53% 0 0.00% 255,289 Democratic Hold
District 19 164,859 58.67% 116,120 41.33% 0 0.00% 280,979 Democratic Hold
District 20 193,651 62.13% 118,031 37.87% 0 0.00% 311,682 Democratic Hold
District 21 171,286 62.09% 96,599 35.02% 7,965 2.89% 275,850 Democratic Hold
District 22 168,558 66.44% 85,126 33.56% 0 0.00% 253,684 Democratic Hold
District 23 75,871 34.66% 143,029 65.34% 0 0.00% 218,900 Republican Hold
District 24 130,799 51.91% 120,880 48.03% 0 0.00% 251,679 Democratic Hold
District 25 157,375 54.82% 120,217 41.88% 9,483 3.30% 287,075 Democratic Gain
District 26 109,615 40.55% 148,607 54.97% 12,104 4.48% 270,326 Republican Hold
District 27 185,713 74.42% 56,354 22.58% 7,478 3.00% 249,545 Democratic Hold
District 28 172,655 78.00% 48,690 22.00% 0 0.00% 221,345 Democratic Hold
District 29 140,529 50.97% 135,199 49.03% 0 0.00% 275,728 Democratic Gain
Total 4,286,047 67.07% 2,043,162 31.97% 60,811 0.95% 6,390,020

Seat allocation

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Votes are marked under party the candidate caucuses with, regardless of ballot line.

Popular vote
Democratic
67.07%
Republican
31.97%
Other
0.96%
House seats
Democratic
89.66%
Republican
10.34%

District 1

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2008 New York's 1st congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Tim Bishop Lee Zeldin
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Independence
Working Families
Conservative
Popular vote 162,083 115,545
Percentage 58.38% 41.62%

 
County results
Bishop:      50-60%

U.S. Representative before election

Tim Bishop
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Tim Bishop
Democratic

The 1st district is based on the eastern end and North Shore of Long Island, including the Hamptons, the North Fork, Riverhead, Port Jefferson, Smithtown, and Brookhaven, all in Suffolk County. Due to redistricting, the district lost minimal territory, instead picking up more territory around the towns of King's Park and Smithtown from the 2nd district. The 1st district has a PVI of R+3 but voted for Barack Obama by 4 points in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Democrat Tim Bishop, who was reelected with 62.23% of the vote in 2006.[2] On election day, Bishop defeated Republican nominee Lee Zeldin who would then defeat him in a rematch six years later.

Republican/Conservative nominee

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Democratic/Independence/Working Families nominee

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General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[3] Safe D November 4, 2008
Inside Elections[4] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Safe D November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe D November 4, 2008

Results

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New York's 1st congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tim Bishop 141,727 51.05%
Independence Tim Bishop 12,919 4.65%
Working Families Tim Bishop 7,437 2.68%
Total Tim Bishop (incumbent) 162,083 58.38%
Republican Lee Zeldin 100,036 36.03%
Conservative Lee Zeldin 15,509 5.59%
Total Lee Zeldin 115,545 41.62%
Write-in 13 0.01%
Total votes 277,641 100%

District 2

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2008 New York's 2nd congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Steve Israel Frank Stalzer
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Independence
Working Families
Conservative
Popular vote 161,279 79,641
Percentage 66.94% 33.06%

 
County results
Israel:      60-70%      70-80%

U.S. Representative before election

Steve Israel
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Steve Israel
Democratic

The 2nd district is based on the western end and North Shore of Long Island, including Huntington, Northport, Islandia, Half Hollow, West Hills, and parts of Islip, all in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Due to redistricting, the district lost substantial territory, losing most of Lindenhurst, Islip, and portions of the South Shore to the 3rd district while gaining more territory on the North Shore around Huntington and portions of Nassau County. The 2nd district has a PVI of R+3 but voted for Barack Obama by 3 points in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Democrat Steve Israel, who was reelected with 70.42% of the vote in 2006.[2] On election day Israel defeated Republican nominee Frank Stalzer.

Republican/Conservative nominee

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  • Frank Stalzer, businessman

Democratic/Independence/Working Families nominee

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General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[3] Safe D November 4, 2008
Inside Elections[4] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Safe D November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe D November 4, 2008

Results

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New York's 2nd congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Steve Israel 143,759 59.67%
Independence Steve Israel 11,900 4.94%
Working Families Steve Israel 5,620 2.33%
Total Steve Israel (incumbent) 161,279 66.94%
Republican Frank Stalzer 70,145 29.11%
Conservative Frank Stalzer 9,496 3.94%
Total Frank Stalzer 79,641 33.06%
Write-in 12 0.01%
Total votes 240,932 100%

District 3

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2008 New York's 3rd congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Peter King Graham Long
Party Republican Democratic
Alliance Conservative
Independence
Working Families
Popular vote 172,774 97,525
Percentage 63.92% 36.08%

 
County results
King:      60-70%

U.S. Representative before election

Peter King
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Peter King
Republican

The 3rd district is based on the Gold Coast and Jones Beach portion of Long Island, including Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Long Beach, Massapequa, Brookville, and parts of Islip, all in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Due to redistricting, the district gained a large amount of territory, gaining in the southern portion of Nassau County around East Rockaway as well as a new portion of the district in Suffolk County, gaining Lindenhurst, Babylon, and portions of Islip, but lost areas around Interstate 495 in Plainview. The 3rd district has a PVI of D+2 but voted for Barack Obama by 8 points in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Republican Peter King, who was reelected with 56.04% of the vote in 2006.[2] On election day King defeated Democratic nominee Graham Long.

Republican/Independence/Conservative nominee

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  • Peter King, incumbent U.S. Representative since 1993

Democratic/Working Families nominee

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General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[3] Safe R November 4, 2008
Inside Elections[4] Safe R November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Safe R November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe R November 4, 2008

Results

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New York's 3rd congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Peter King 149,344 55.25%
Conservative Peter King 12,983 4.80%
Independence Peter King 10,447 3.87%
Total Peter King (incumbent) 172,774 63.92%
Democratic Graham Long 93,481 34.58%
Working Families Graham Long 4,044 1.50%
Total Graham Long 97,525 36.08%
Write-in 4 0.00%
Total votes 240,932 100%

District 4

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2008 New York's 4th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Carolyn McCarthy Jack Martins
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Independence
Working Families
Conservative
Popular vote 164,028 92,242
Percentage 64.01% 35.99%

 
County results
McCarthy:      60-70%

U.S. Representative before election

Carolyn McCarthy
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Carolyn McCarthy
Democratic

The 4th district is based on the Nassau South Shore and central Nassau portion of Long Island, including Mineola, Garden City, East Rockaway, Valley Stream, Freeport, and parts of Long Beach, all in Nassau County. Due to redistricting, the district gained a small amount of territory in the southern portion of Nassau County around East Rockaway and Freeport but lost areas around Levittown. The 3rd district has a PVI of D+5 but voted for Barack Obama by 11 points in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Democrat Carolyn McCarthy, who was reelected with 64.92% of the vote in 2006.[2] On election day McCarthy defeated Republican nominee Jack Martins.

Republican/Conservative nominee

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Democratic/Independence/Working Families nominee

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General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[3] Safe D November 4, 2008
Inside Elections[4] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Safe D November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe D November 4, 2008

Results

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New York's 4th congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carolyn McCarthy 151,792 59.23%
Independence Carolyn McCarthy 7,318 2.86%
Working Families Carolyn McCarthy 4,918 1.92%
Total Carolyn McCarthy (incumbent) 164,028 64.01%
Republican Jack Martins 84,444 32.95%
Conservative Jack Martins 4,044 3.04%
Total Jack Martins 92,242 35.99%
Write-in 1 0.00%
Total votes 256,271 100%

District 5

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2008 New York's 5th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Gary Ackerman Elizabeth Berney
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Independence
Working Families
Popular vote 107,427 41,721
Percentage 70.65% 27.44%

U.S. Representative before election

Gary Ackerman
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Gary Ackerman
Democratic

The 5th district is based on the Nassau North Shore and Flushing portion of Queens County, including Manhorhaven, Kings Point, Great Neck, East Hills, Corona, and parts of Jamaica, in Nassau and Queens counties. Due to redistricting, the district was compacted and shifted towards Queens, losing most of its territory on the North Shore, including portions of the cities of Smithtown and Huntington as well as territory in the surrounding communities. The 5th district has a PVI of D+30 but voted for Barack Obama by 27 points in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Democrat Gary Ackerman, who was reelected with 100.00% of the vote in 2006.[2] On election day Ackerman defeated Republican nominee Elizabeth Berney.

Republican nominee

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  • Elizabeth Berney

Democratic/Independence/Working Families nominee

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General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[3] Safe D November 4, 2008
Inside Elections[4] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Safe D November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe D November 4, 2008

Results

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New York's 5th congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gary Ackerman 105,836 59.23%
Independence Gary Ackerman 4,084 2.86%
Working Families Gary Ackerman 2,804 1.92%
Total Carolyn McCarthy (incumbent) 164,028 64.01%
Republican Elizabeth Berny 41,721 27.44%
Total Jack Martins 41,721 27.44%
Conservative Gonzalo "Jun" Policarpio 2,896 1.91%
Write-in 5 0.00%
Total votes 256,271 100%

District 6

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2008 New York's 6th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
   
Nominee Gregory Meeks
Party Democratic
Popular vote 141,180
Percentage 99.98%

U.S. Representative before election

Gregory Meeks
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Gregory Meeks
Democratic

Incumbent Gregory Meeks has served in Congress since 1998, representing heavily Democratic Queens. He was easily re-elected unopposed.

District 7

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2008 New York's 7th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Joe Crowley William Britt, Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Working Families Conservative
Popular vote 118,459 21,477
Percentage 84.65% 15.35%

U.S. Representative before election

Joe Crowley
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Joe Crowley
Democratic

Incumbent Joe Crowley had served in Congress since 1999 representing heavily Democratic areas of the Bronx and Queens. He was easily re-elected against token opposition.

District 8

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2008 New York's 8th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Jerry Nadler Grace Lin
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 160,775 39,062
Percentage 80.50% 19.5%

U.S. Representative before election

Jerry Nadler
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Jerry Nadler
Democratic

Incumbent Jerry Nadler had served in Congress since 1992 representing heavily Democratic areas of Manhattan. He was easily re-elected against token opposition.

District 9

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2008 New York's 9th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Anthony Weiner Alfred F. Donohue
Party Democratic Conservative
Popular vote 112,205 8,378
Percentage 93.10% 6.9%

U.S. Representative before election

Anthony Weiner
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Anthony Weiner
Democratic

Incumbent Anthony Weiner was originally elected in 1998 in this heavily Democratic district representing parts of Brooklyn and Queens. He was easily re-elected against no Republican opposition.

District 10

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2008 New York's 10th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Edolphus Towns Herbert F. Rayn
Party Democratic Conservative
Popular vote 73,859 1,639
Percentage 97.80% 2.2%

U.S. Representative before election

Edolphus Downs
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Edolphus Downs
Democratic

Incumbent Edolphus Downs originally was elected to Congress in 1982, representing Brooklyn. He was easily re-elected over token opposition.

District 11

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2008 New York's 11th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Yvette Clarke Hugh C. Carr
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 168,562 11,644
Percentage 92.80% 6.4%

U.S. Representative before election

Yvette Clarke
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Yvette Clarke
Democratic

Incumbent Yvette Clarke was originally elected in 2006 and ran for re-election. She was easily re-elected in this heavily Democratic district.

District 12

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2008 New York's 12th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Nydia Velazquez Allan E. Romaguera
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 123,053 13,748
Percentage 90.00% 10.0%

U.S. Representative before election

Nydia Velazquez
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Nydia Velazquez
Democratic

Incumbent Nydia Velazquez was re-elected in a landslide over Republican Allan Romaguera.

District 13

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Republican incumbent Vito Fossella announced his retirement on May 20, 2008, leaving this an open seat. Democratic City Councilman Michael McMahon, endorsed by the Staten Island Democratic Party[8] won the primary against Steve Harrison, who lost to Fossella in 2006. Republican Robert Straniere defeated Dr. Jamshad Wyne in the Republican primary. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'. McMahon defeated Straniere in the general election.[1]

District 14

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District 15

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District 16

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District 17

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District 18

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District 19

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The 19th congressional district of New York, which includes Westchester and parts of the Hudson Valley.

Democratic incumbent John Hall was challenged by Republican Kieran Lalor. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'. Hall won the election with 59% of the vote.[9]

District 20

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2008 New York's 20th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2009 (special) →
     
Nominee Kirsten Gillibrand Sandy Treadwell
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 193,651 118,031
Percentage 62.1% 37.9%

 

Representative before election

Kirsten Gillibrand
Democratic

Elected Representative

Kirsten Gillibrand
Democratic

Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand was challenged by Republican Sandy Treadwell. CQ Politics forecast race as 'Leans Democratic.' Gillibrand won easily.[1]

This was incumbent Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand's first run for re-election, and was one of the most expensive House races in the nation, with both campaigns spending a total of more than $9 million.[10] Gillibrand had defeated Republican Congressman John Sweeney in an upset in 2006.

Representative Gillibrand faced businessmen Morris Guller in the Democratic primary due, it was said, to her support for a supplemental appropriation for the Iraq conflict.[11] Gilibrand won the primary by a wide margin.

Those who would have run in the 2008 Republican primary to face Gillibrand had there been one:[12]

  • Lt. Colonel Michael Rocque, US Army (retired)
  • Sandy Treadwell, former New York Republican State Committee chairman
  • John Wallace, New York State Police (retired)

Treadwell, with the backing of the State Conservative Party and the GOP, filed Requests for Judicial Intervention to disqualify Wallace and Rocque from the primary. He succeeded, and became the sole opponent of Kirsten Gillibrand.

Gillibrand faced Republican Sandy Treadwell, former Secretary of State for New York.[13] On October 10, 2008, the Cook Report listed the 20th District as "Likely Democratic". Gillibrand won the November 4, 2008, election with 62% of the vote to Treadwell's 38%.


2008 New York's 20th congressional district election[14]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Kirsten Gillibrand 178,996
Working Families Kirsten Gillibrand 14,655
Total Kirsten Gillibrand 193,651 62.13
Republican Sandy Treadwell 99,930
Conservative Sandy Treadwell 10,077
Independence Sandy Treadwell 8,024
Total Sandy Treadwell 118,031 37.87
Majority 75,620
Turnout 311,682
Democratic hold Swing

District 21

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2008 New York's 21st congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Paul Tonko Jim Buhrmaster
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Working Families Conservative
Popular vote 171,286 96,599
Percentage 62.09% 35.02%

 
County results
Tonko:      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. Representative before election

Michael McNulty
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Paul Tonko
Democratic

The 21st district is based in the Capital Region, including Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Guilderland, Johnstown, Amsterdam, Colonie, Cohoes, and Waterford. It includes all of Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, Montgomery counties, and parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Fulton Counties. Due to redistricting, the district gained a large amount of territory, gaining the entirety of Schoharie and Montgomery Counties, as well as the cities of Johnstown and Gloversville, and territory in southern Rensselaer County around East Greenbush and Castleton-On-The-Hudson. The 21st district has a PVI of R+9 but voted for Barack Obama by 18 points in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Democrat Michael McNulty, who was reelected with 78.19% of the vote in 2006.[2] He is retiring. On election day, Tonko defeated Republican nominee Jim Buhrmaster.

Republican/Conservative nominee

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Eliminated in primary

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Primary results

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Republican primary results[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jim Buhrmaster 8,589 70.44
Republican Steven Vasquez 3,605 29.56
Total votes 12,194 100.0

Democratic/Working Families nominee

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Eliminated in primary

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Declined

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Endorsements

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M. Tracey Brooks

Individuals

Phillip G. Steck

Individuals

Organizations

Primary results

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Democratic primary results[21]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Paul D. Tonko 15,932 39.50
Democratic M. Tracey Brooks 12,166 30.16
Democratic Phillip G. Steck 7,498 18.59
Democratic Darius Shahinfar 4,002 9.92
Democratic Joseph P. Sullivan 738 1.83
Total votes 40,336 100.0
 
Democratic primary results by county:
  Tonko
  •   Tonko—50–60%
  •   Tonko—60–70%
  •   Tonko—70–80%
  Brooks
  •   Brooks—30–40%
  •   Brooks—40–50%

General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[3] Safe D November 4, 2008
Inside Elections[4] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Safe D November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe D November 4, 2008
Congressional Quarterly[22] Safe D December 30, 2007

Results

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New York's 21st congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Paul Tonko 159,849 57.94%
Working Families Paul Tonko 11,437 4.15%
Total Paul Tonko (incumbent) 171,286 62.09%
Republican Jim Buhrmaster 85,267 30.91%
Conservative Jim Buhrmaster 11,332 4.11%
Total Jim Buhrmaster 96,599 35.02%
Independence Phil Steck 7,965 2.89%
Write-in 22 0.01%
Total votes 275,872 100%

District 22

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District 23

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2008 New York's 23rd congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee John McHugh Michael Oot
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 143,028 75,871
Percentage 65.33% 34.66%

 
County results
McHugh:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

U.S. Representative before election

John McHugh
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

John McHugh
Republican

The 23rd district is based in the North Country and the Adirondack Mountains, including Plattsburgh, Potsdam, Fort Drum, Watertown, Oswego, and parts of Saranac Lake. It includes all of Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Hamilton, Lewis, Jefferson, Oswego, and Madison counties and parts of Fulton, Oneida, and Essex counties. Due to redistricting, the district was renumbered from the 24th to the 23rd and changed a small amount of territory, gaining in portions of Essex County around the Adirondack Mountains as well as a new portion of the district in Oneida County, gaining the towns around the cities of Rome and Utica, and gained the entirety of Madison County, but lost its portion of Herkimer County entirely and the cities of Gloversville and Amsterdam in Fulton County. The 23rd district has a PVI of R+2 but voted for Barack Obama by 1 point in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Republican John McHugh, who was reelected with 63.15% of the vote in 2006.[2] On election day, McHugh defeated Democratic nominee Michael Oot.

Republican nominee

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Democratic nominee

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  • Michael Oot, Attorney

General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
Inside Elections[4] Safe R November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Safe R November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe R November 4, 2008

Results

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New York's 23rd congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John McHugh 143,028 65.33%
Total John McHugh (incumbent) 143,028 65.33%
Democratic Michael Oot 75,871 34.66%
Total Michael Oot 75,871 34.66%
Write-in 25 0.01%
Total votes 218,924 100%

District 24

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2008 New York's 24th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Michael Arcuri Richard Hanna
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Working Families Conservative
Popular vote 130,799 120,880
Percentage 51.97% 48.03%

 
County results
Arcuri:      50-60%      60-70%
Hanna:      50-60%

U.S. Representative before election

Michael Arcuri
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Michael Arcuri
Democratic

The 24th district is based in central New York and parts of the Finger Lakes region, including Rome, Utica, Oneonta, Norwich, Auburn, and parts of Binghamton. It includes all of Herkimer, Cortland, Chenango, and Seneca counties and parts of Tompkins, Tioga, Broome, Ontario, Otsego, and Oneida counties. Due to redistricting, the district was renumbered from the 23rd to the 24th and changed large amounts of territory, gaining the entirety of Cortland, Herkimer, and Seneca Counties. The district lost all of its territory in Schoharie, Delaware, and Montgomery counties and lost portions of Oneida county north of the city of Rome. The district now has territory stretching into western New York, gaining portions of Cayuga, Tioga, Tompkins, and Ontario counties. The 24th district has a PVI of R+11 but voted for Barack Obama by 3 points in the concurring presidential election. The incumbent is Democrat Michael Arcuri, who was elected with 53.95% of the vote in 2006.[2] On election day, Arcuri defeated Republican nominee Richard Hanna.

Republican/Conservative/Independence nominee

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Democratic/Working Families nominee

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General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[3] Likely D November 4, 2008
Inside Elections[4] Safe D November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] Likely D November 3, 2008
RCP[6] Safe D November 4, 2008

Results

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New York's 24th congressional district, 2008[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Michael Arcuri 130,799 51.97%
Total Michael Arcuri (incumbent) 130,799 51.97%
Republican Richard Hanna 120,880 48.03%
Total Richard Hanna 120,880 48.03%
Write-in 13 0.01%
Total votes 251,692 100%

District 25

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2008 New York's 25th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) 2010 →
   
Nominee Dan Maffei Dale Sweetland
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 146,411 113,358
Percentage 54.5% 42.2%

 

Representative before election

James T. Walsh
Republican

Elected Representative

Dan Maffei
Democratic

Republican incumbent James T. Walsh retired, leaving this an open seat. Democrat Dan Maffei ran against Republican Dale Sweetland who won in a crowded primary race, and frequent candidate Howie Hawkins (who used the "Green Populist" label).[23] CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'. Maffei won the election.[1]

The New York 25th congressional district election for the 111th Congress was held on November 4, 2008. The race featured Democratic Party nominee Dan Maffei, who narrowly lost to incumbent Jim Walsh for the same seat in 2006, Republican Party nominee Dale Sweetland, former Chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature, and Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins, Green Party founder and frequent political candidate.

Maffei defeated Sweetland decisively, 55% to 42%, becoming the first Democrat to represent the district since 1981.[24]

On January 24, 2008, Republican incumbent Jim Walsh announced he would not be running for an eleventh term. Walsh's 2006 Democratic challenger Dan Maffei had already announced his candidacy to challenge the seat in 2008, and had mounted a strong campaign. In March 2008, after Democratic Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll announced he would not be running for the seat, Maffei was virtually assured of the Democratic nomination, and ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on September 9. After it appeared he might run unopposed in the general election, on April 2 Republican Dale Sweetland, coming off a narrowly unsuccessful September 2007 bid for Onondaga County Executive, announced he'd oppose Maffei. Other Republicans followed suit, but Sweetland won the crowded primary and received the party nomination in May 2008.

Maffei was heavily favored to win the seat, and lead heavily in campaign contributions.[25] In addition to rating the district as "Leans Democratic", RealClearPolitics ranked this as the third most likely Congressional district to switch parties.[26] Going into the election, other pundits from CQ Politics, The Cook Report, and the Rothenberg Report are also ranking it as "Lean Democrat" to "Democrat Favored".[27] In May 2008, and again on June 20, 2008, The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza, author of "The Fix", ranked the race as the #1 Congressional race to turn over from a "Red" seat to a "Blue" seat 2008.[28][29] Although Walsh had held it without serious difficulty before his near-defeat in 2006, the 25th had swung heavily to the Democrats at most other levels since the 1990s. The last Republican presidential candidate to carry the district was George H. W. Bush in 1988.

On November 4 Maffei defeated Sweetland, 55% to 42%.[24] He will be the first Democrat to represent the area since 1981 (when it was the 32nd District).

2008 US House election: New York District 25, 99.2% reporting
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Dan Maffei 146,411 54.5 +5.3
Republican Dale Sweetland 113,358 42.2 +42.2
Green Howie Hawkins 8,855 3.3 +3.3
Majority 33,053 12.3 +10.7
Turnout 268,624 100 +23.4

District 26

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Republican incumbent Thomas M. Reynolds retired, leaving this an open seat. In an upset victory, Amherst environmental lawyer Alice Kryzan won the Democratic primary against Iraq War veteran Jonathan Powers and maverick millionaire Jack Davis. The Republican nominee was businessman Christopher Lee.[30] CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Republican'. Lee prevailed.[1]

Republican businessman Christopher J. Lee (R) won the seat running against Democratic lawyer Alice Kryzan (148,607 to 109,615), even though several analysts rated the race as a toss-up or leaning Democratic.[31][32][33]

Alice Kryzan, an environmental attorney, won the Democratic party primary election on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. She ran against Jon Powers, an Iraq war vet and the endorsed Democratic candidate, as well as wealthy industrialist Jack Davis. The primary was notable for its large negative ad content, most heavily by self-financed Davis against Powers. Kryzan upset the conventional wisdom with a surprise win, partially on the strength of a last-minute TV ad characterizing the other two candidates as squabbling. A major selling point Kryzan used was that both of her primary rivals were former Republicans. Powers remained on the Working Families Party ballot line despite endorsing Kryzan and attempting to get himself removed after having moved out of state. The Republican party brought a lawsuit to prevent the line from being given to Kryzan.[34] However, the presence of Powers on the ballot made no difference to the outcome of the race as the number of votes his ballot line received was much smaller than the margin of victory for Lee.

Republican Chris Lee was the only candidate running for the party nomination and was endorsed by incumbent Representative Tom Reynolds. Operatives within the party also reportedly tried to recruit several other high-profile candidates, including WIVB-TV anchor Don Postles, a registered independent, which led to Postles having to issue an on-air rejection of their efforts.

2008 US House election: New York District 26
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Lee 148,607 ≈55
Democratic Alice Kryzan 109,615 ≈40
Working Families Jon Powers ≈5
Majority 38,992
Turnout 100

District 27

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Democrat Brian Higgins easily defeated Independence Party candidate Dan Humiston. The Republicans did not put forth a candidate, instead cross-endorsing Humiston. Higgins won the general election.[1]

District 28

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2008 New York's 28th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Louise Slaughter David Crimmen
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 172,592 48,677
Percentage 77.99% 22.00%

 
County results
Slaughter:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%

U.S. Representative before election

Louise Slaughter
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Louise Slaughter
Democratic

District 29

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2008 New York's 29th congressional district election
 
← 2006 November 4, 2008 2010 →
     
Nominee Eric Massa Randy Kuhl
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 140,483 135,160
Percentage 50.96% 49.03%

 
County results
Massa:      50-60%
Kuhl:      50-60%

U.S. Representative before election

Randy Kuhl
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Eric Massa
Democratic

Democratic nominee Eric Massa defeated Republican incumbent Randy Kuhl, following his unsuccessful 2006 run against Kuhl.[35]

Two-term incumbent Randy Kuhl (R) had been elected to Congress with 52% of the popular vote over Democratic candidate Eric Massa in a two-way race in 2006. In March 2006, citing his frustration with actions at the in-patient mental health care hospital at the Canandaigua VA center, former Democratic candidate, and a long-time friend of 2004 presidential candidate General Wesley Clark, Eric J.J. Massa filed to run as the Democratic candidate again in 2008.[36] In May 2007, Pittsford businessman David Nachbar, a senior vice-president of Bausch & Lomb, also announced his candidacy as a Democratic candidate for the same seat. As of a post on April 18, 2007, from Massa on DailyKos, the DCCC placed a requirement on their support for any candidate relied upon that candidate having $300K cash-on-hand by the end of the second quarter 2007 (June 30).[37] In August 2007, Nachbar announced that he was withdrawing from the race, with news reports stating that a letter to supporters suggest his role as Senior VP of Human Resources for Bausch & Lomb during a buyout via hedge fund Warburg Pinkus rendered him unable to campaign effectively.[38] Prior to Nachbar's announcement, Massa's campaign announced in a press release, that he had received all of the County endorsements of the 29th District and all of the townships in Monroe County, but had yet to secure the Monroe Democratic Committee endorsement.[39]

A native of the 29th District, Congressman Randy Kuhl has lived in the area all of his life. The son of a doctor and a nurse/teacher, Randy was born in Bath, picked grapes and worked inside the wineries on the shores of Keuka Lake, attended school in Hammondsport, had summer jobs in construction and on several different farms during his college years. He owned and operated a business in Bath, became Steuben County attorney, then successfully ran for the New York State Assembly in 1980, the New York State Senate in 1986, and the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004 where he now serves and represents the people of the 29th District. Randy Kuhl is a graduate of Hammondsport Central School, and earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Union College (1966), and in 1969 received his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law. He is a communicant of St. James Episcopal Church and has been active in the Hammondsport Rotary Club and BPOE 1547 in Bath. He is a member of the Advisory Committee of the Five Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Branchport Rod and Gun Club, and the executive committee of the Steuben County Republican Committee. He is President of the Board of Directors of the Reginald Wood Scouting Memorial and an immediate past member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology. Randy Kuhl currently lives in Hammondsport and is the father of three sons.

Eric Massa was the Democratic nominee in 2006. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to serve in the Navy for 24 years. He eventually served as aide to former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, General Wesley Clark. Near the end of his Navy career he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a disease he was able to survive. A former Republican, he claims he left his party over the issue of the Iraq War and campaigned in New Hampshire during the campaign of his former-boss, Wesley Clark's, failed presidential bid. During the 2006 campaign, Massa positioned himself as strongly opposed to the Iraq war and unrestricted "free trade," favoring instead "fair trade". Other issues in his platform included expanding farm aid programs, as well as bringing homeland security money to the 29th District. Massa is also active in Band of Brothers/Veterans for a Secure America whose goal is to help veterans who are running for Congress as Democrats. Massa has recently worked as a "business consultant" for Strategic Insight, a defense consulting firm in Alexandra, Virginia. Massa, during a press conference in June, 2007, stated that he has since "curtailed all other activities in April (2007) when he became an active candidate". Massa lives in Corning, New York, with his wife Beverly, daughter Alexandra and son Justin. His eldest son Richard lives in California.

David Nachbar is Bausch & Lomb's senior vice president for Human Resources.[40] He was named to this post in October 2002.[40] Nachbar joined Bausch & Lomb from The St. Paul Companies, Inc., where he was senior vice president for Human Resources.[40] Previously, he was vice president for Human Resources and chief of staff for Asia for Citibank. He also held Human Resources posts with PepsiCo and Time Warner.[40] In 1996, Nachbar ran for New York State Senate as a Democrat and was unsuccessful. Nachbar received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 1984.

On August 21, 2008, Massa attended a Kuhl press conference in the Corning City Hall. After the press conference ended, the two candidates spoke for a minute in the hallway. Massa challenged Kuhl to schedule debates and criticized him for not having accepted debate invitations from community leaders. After Massa left, Kuhl said he had not had time to schedule a debate. Kuhl later issued a press release which criticized Massa for being "disrespectful" at the event, which Kuhl said "was not campaign related". Councilman Dane Kane, a Democrat who also attended the press conference, joined in Massa's criticism, saying, "Kuhl has stopped his town hall meetings, won't take questions from the public, and refuses to respond to invitations to debate the issues of the day."[41]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "NYS Board of Elections Rep. in Congress Election Returns Nov. 4, 2008" (PDF). www.elections.ny.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 4, 2012. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "11/7/06 - House of Representatives" (PDF). February 21, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 21, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "2008 House Race Ratings". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "House Ratings". The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "2008 House Ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "Battle for the House 2008". RCP. November 4, 2008.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h "11/4/08 - House of Representatives" (PDF). www.elections.ny.gov. April 1, 2008.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ "Staten Island Republicans designated former state Rep. Robert Straniere as their candidate for the Sept. 9 primary". Archived from the original on August 2, 2008. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
  9. ^ "New York's 19th Congressional District". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  10. ^ "Gillibrand, Treadwell spending millions". The Daily Gazette. October 28, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
  11. ^ Ilan Wurman (May 31, 2007). "Vote on Iraq funding bill triggers primary challenge for Gillibrand". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved February 15, 2008.
  12. ^ Maury Thompson (January 16, 2008). "Warren County to endorse on Thursday; Mechanicville GOP endorses Wager; Gillibrand votes for military pay raise". The Post-Star. Retrieved February 15, 2008.
  13. ^ "Sandy Treadwell for Congress". Archived from the original on October 8, 2008. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
  14. ^ "2008 Election Results". New York State Board of Elections. December 4, 2008. Retrieved January 26, 2011.
  15. ^ "9/9/08 - NY21 Congress - R Primary" (PDF). October 2, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 2, 2008.
  16. ^ "NY Open Seat Has Few Takers, at Least for Now". www.nytimes.com. December 30, 2007. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  17. ^ "Mayor Gerald D. Jennings endorses M. Tracey Brooks for Congress". Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  18. ^ "Phil Steck to run for congress". December 18, 2007. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  19. ^ a b "Phil Steck receives the Independence Party endorsement". June 3, 2008. Archived from the original on April 20, 2009.
  20. ^ "Albany County Democratic Committee endorses Phil Steck". ourcampaigns.com. September 9, 2008.
  21. ^ "9/9/08 - NY21 Congress - D Primary" (PDF). October 2, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 2, 2008.
  22. ^ "2008 House Ratings". CQ Politics. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  23. ^ Petitions Filed with the New York State Board of Elections Archived August 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, accessed September 12, 2008.
  24. ^ a b US House - New York 25 Results CNN.
  25. ^ "OpenSecrets". OpenSecrets.
  26. ^ "RealClearPolitics - Election 2008: Senate, House & Governor Races". www.realclearpolitics.com.
  27. ^ CQ Politics Projected Landscape, New York's Delegation to the U.S. House Archived October 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  28. ^ Chris Cillizza. "Friday House Line: Dems Could Gain 20 Seats", "The Fix", The Washington Post, June 6, 2008. Retrieved on June 28, 2008.
  29. ^ Chris Cillizza. "Generic Ballot Distress for House GOP", "The Fix", The Washington Post, June 20, 2008. Retrieved on June 28, 2008.
  30. ^ Kryzan beats Powers, Davis Archived September 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Jerry Zremski, The Buffalo News, September 10, 2008
  31. ^ Race Ratings Chart: House Archived October 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine CQ Politics
  32. ^ 2008 Competitive House Race Chart Archived October 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine The Cook Political Report, October 15, 2008
  33. ^ 2008 House Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report, October 14, 2008
  34. ^ Kryzan Gets Big Setback Hours Before Polls Open Archived July 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. WKBW-TV. November 4, 2008.
  35. ^ "AP Calls for Eric Massa in Tight Race With Randy Kuhl". November 4, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2008.[permanent dead link]
  36. ^ "NY-29: Massa begins 2008 campaign". Daily Kos.
  37. ^ "Fundraising Realities: People-Powered Politics vs. the Fat Cats". Daily Kos.
  38. ^ "democratandchronicle.com".
  39. ^ "massaforcongress.com". Archived from the original on November 11, 2006. Retrieved May 6, 2007.
  40. ^ a b c d "Bausch & Lomb website". Archived from the original on May 27, 2007. Retrieved May 6, 2007.
  41. ^ Smith, Jeffery (August 22, 2008). "Kuhl, Massa spar at City Hall". The Corning Leader. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
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