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McCarthy examines local political battles

WBFO News photo

Despite polls showing incumbent Republican Mark Grisanti leading in his re-election bid in the 60th State Senate District, the race may not be over.

Noting a new wave of political television commercials, Buffalo News Political Reporter Bob McCarthy sees renewed "efforts to remind this overwhelmingly Democratic district who they are."

According to McCarthy, the ads claim Grisanti "votes Republican 99 percent of the time."

In his weekly political conversation on WBFO's Morning Edition, McCarthy said a Grisanti win in the Democratic district "would be another amazing feat."

McCarthy also provided perspective on a Buffalo News story looking at the record of Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Hochul.

Hochul has failed to pass any of the 22 bills she has introduced. That has drawn attacks from her republican opponent Chris Collins.

Hochul has defended her record, highlighting her efforts to help the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

McCarthy is also closely following the work of Erie County's new Democratic Party Chair Jeremy Zellner and his attempts to unite the torn party.

Zellner held a recent party fundraiser that successfully reached out to City Hall Democrats. McCarthy notes, however, "Governor Cuomo's people were missing from that mix."

"Jeremy has a long ways to go, but he is working hard," McCarthy said.