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Updated 09/09/2010 10:56 PM

Candidates for Senate discuss spending

By: Erin Vannella

Money matters are making a few waves on the campaign trail in the race for the 46th Senate district. Our Erin Vannella talked to the two candidates vying for the seat.

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CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. -- "It's important that I meet them face to face," said democratic candidate Luke Martland. "I am, or at least a few months ago, I was unknown. Everyone knew who Neil Breslin was."

Democratic candidate Luke Martland is knocking on the Senate door. He wants in and he wants incumbent Senator Neil Breslin out.

"He's been there 14 years," said Martland. "His brother runs the county. Everyone knows the name. Nobody knows my name. And I don't have a lot of money. I didn't have $200,000 to spend on television so I had to go out and meet people."

Cash is fueling the race, said Martland, for those who have it. Breslin's camp has spent more than $180,000 in the past three months while Martland has spent just over $33,000.

Breslin's campaign spokesman Dan Hornick said, "Bottom line is Breslin wants to make sure people understand his record, what he stands for, what he believes in. He's doing that three main ways: Mailings, television and debates. And he's really at the events, talking and listening. He's there and always has been."

NYPIRG's research shows this has been one of the costliest primary seasons on record. And both camps for the 46th district seat agree as to a primary reason why.

"There's a lot of anti-incumbent feelings," said Martland. "So some of the incumbents are spending money. But Breslin has never spent this much money before."

Hornick said, "The point is to make sure voters have the information they need to make a decision and compare to those who have not performed or performed disgracefully. And to get that out there takes money."

NYPIRG's data applies to a number of other candidates in this year's primary. Will it pay off? Voters head to the polls Tuesday.