“Rep. Stefanik makes endorsement in North Country Senate race”

Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute in the Maxwell School, was interviewed for the Spectrum News story “Rep. Stefanik makes endorsement in North Country Senate race.” Reeher, who studies American politics, explained that longtime State Senator Patty Ritchie’s announcement that she was retiring made many people fear the one person that they felt was getting things done for the region. Reeher said that Ritchie supported her constituents by “either by including things in the budget or passing legislation that would be of specific impact and interest” for the community’s needs.

Soon after the announcement Ritchie’s former staffer, Assemblyman Mark Walczyk, announced his plan to run for the Senate seat. However, he did not have an endorsement from Ritchie. “I think he would have loved to have had her endorsement, so that’s a story there that needs to be uncovered,” Reeher said.