Updated 09/13/2012 12:30 PM
Primary Day in New York State
It's Primary Day in New York State, and voters registered in a party get to weigh in on some key races in the Capital Region. Polls open at noon. Our Megan Cruz has more on the races.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
CAPITAL REGION -- There are three contentious races in the Capital Region that we'll be following.
The first is the race for Albany County District Attorney. Incumbent David Soares is standing by his record, saying he's addressed juvenile crime through programs geared toward getting kids off the streets, like his ENOUGH program. He also says the county has the highest record of incarcerating criminals, at 87.9 percent under his leadership.
The challenger, attorney Lee Kindlon, begs to differ, promoting his plan for a “rocket docket,” where suspects would be put on trial sooner and the guilty behind bars faster. He also says Soares' ENOUGH program isn't enough, and that there are other programs to cultivate to address juvenile violence.
Then in the 43rd District, we have incumbent Senator Roy McDonald being challenged by Saratoga County Clerk Kathleen Marchione along the Republican line. The main issues here are social issues, specifically same-sex marriage. McDonald voted to pass the Marriage Equality Bill. Marchione has bashed him for that vote, saying his constituents wanted him to vote ‘no’ on legalizing gay marriage.
They also differ in their opinions about the business climate in the state. Marchione says it isn't business-friendly, McDonald says it is, touting GlobalFoundries as an example.
Finally, in the 44th District, you have incumbent Neil Breslin facing challenger Albany County Legislature Chairman Shawn Morse in the Democratic primary. Issues they agree on are raising minimum wage, not raising legislators' pay, and opposing unfunded state mandates, like Medicaid. Issues they disagree on: The use of charter schools and how to help curb violence in the Capital Region's cities.
Polls open at noon and close at 9 p.m. To find your polling place, contact your county Board of Elections.