Updated 11/13/2009 06:03 AM
Messina officially unseats Cunningham
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BETHLEHEM, N.Y. -- Republican challenger Sam Messina has officially unseated Democratic Town Supervisor Jack Cunningham in Bethlehem.
The outcome of the race had been up in the air with Messina up by just 115 votes and 182 absentee ballots uncounted. Cunningham conceded Thursday afternoon while the candidates were counting votes at the Albany County Board of Elections. Based on the absentee ballot count, Cunningham conceded.
In a statement, Messina said, "In this race, the voters had a clear choice and they made that choice be made. Now it is my job to deliver on my campaign promises, which were to ensure open government, encourage economic development on the right scale, improve planning and focus on public service first, rather than partisan politics."
Messina is a member of the Independence Party, but ran on the Conservative and Republican lines.