NY-18: Rep. Maloney to Run for Both

​New York is the only state in the country that has two separate primaries, one for federal offices (June 26), and another for state (September 13) elected positions.  With the Attorney General’s race now open when Eric Schneiderman (D) resigned, a battle is ensuing in the state Democratic primary.  Yesterday, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-Cold Spring/West Point) said he is going to enter both primaries.  In June, he will seek re-nomination for his US House seat.  Come September, he will run for the statewide Democratic Attorney General’s nomination.  Should he win both, Mr. Maloney says he will withdraw from the congressional race.  This would force the local party to name a replacement with only about seven weeks to go in the general election. 
 
This developing situation is worth watching.  Orange County Legislator and retired state police commander James O’Donnell is unopposed for the 18th District Republican congressional ballot line, and also has won the Conservative Party and Reform Party endorsements.  Should Maloney win statewide, Mr. O’Donnell’s candidacy will immediately become more valuable.
 
In the Attorney General’s Democratic primary, Rep. Maloney is facing New York City Public Advocate Tish James, former gubernatorial aide and Lt. Governor candidate Leecia Eve, and frequent candidate Zephyr Teachout, a law school professor.

--Jim Ellis