Maloney and Hayworth Grapple for Independence Line in Primary
While most primary elections aren’t until September, polls will be open next Tuesday so voters can determine which candidate for the 18th congressional district will earn the Independence Party line.
Congressman and Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney and Republican challenger Nan Hayworth are both vying for the line, and both understand how critical it is to pick up.
“It’s a piece of the puzzle, it’s important,” Maloney said in an interview. “And it’s a good fit for who I’ve been in congress.”
Working with Republicans like state Senator Greg Ball, Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith, and County Executive MaryEllen Odell, Maloney said has shown his willingness for bipartisanship. He also said he has one of the most independent voting records and has been ranked the 7th most independent Democrat in the House of Representatives by Congressional Quarterly.
“I work consistently with leaders from across the aisle on lots of projects that help our local communities,” he said.
And for Hayworth, the Independence line might even hold a larger significance. When she ran for congress in 2010 and won, she had the Independence line and received 5,000 votes from the Independent Party, but when she didn’t have the line because she lacked certified signatures in 2012, according to a Capital New York article, she lost to Maloney.
This time around, Hayworth is confident she’ll find a way to edge Maloney. Talking with Independent Party members in recent weeks, Hayworth said she’s heard many want a candidate “who will stand up to the juggernaut of burdens.”
“We’ve gotten a great response from the folks I’ve talked with,” Hayworth said. “We have so much in common.”
Maloney is running for a second term in congress after he beat Hayworth head-to-head in 2012 by less than four percent of the vote. The Cold Spring resident actually beat out four other Democrats in 2012 during a primary before toppling Hayworth. After just two years out of office, Hayworth, who served one term in congress for the 19th district (before the voting lines were redistricted) announced her intent to run again back in February. The district covers all of Putnam and Orange Counties and parts of Dutchess and northern Westchester Counties.
Check back in Tuesday’s edition of The Putnam Examiner for more from the candidates.
