By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-757940.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The race for the sprawling 26th Congressional District seat now centers on Republican Chris Lee and the surprise winner of Tuesday's Democratic primary, Alice Kryzan.
Lee announced his candidacy last spring. He has been running TV ads to keep his name before voters. But much of the attention was on the Democratic candidates who were running in Tuesday's primary. Now that Kryzan has won that contest, Lee says he's ready to step up his campaign.
The main issue, says Lee, is the economy.
The 26th Congressional District is heavily Republican, which gives Lee an edge entering the general election campaign. But Alice Kryzan believes she can convince Republican voters to cross party lines.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee yesterday immediately targeted the 26th district as one they can win. The committee said it's prepared to give Kryzan, quoting here -- "the financial and structural edge to be more competitive."
One advantage that Kryzan will enjoy is that the top of the ticket, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, is expected to carry New York. Kryzan couldn't say whether she'd be able to benefit by riding his coattails. But Chris Lee is enthusiastic about his party's presidential ticket, especially John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate.
While the focus is on Lee and Kryzan, Jon Power remains on the November ballot as a member of the Working Families Party. Jack Davis had tried to get his own third party line on the November ballot, but his petitions were ruled invalid last week. He still hasn't said whether he'll appeal.