The always-excellent Buffalo Pundit makes an interesting observation: the republican opponent of Alice Kryzan in the 26th Congressional district is refusing to debate her. Now, in case you think you've heard that story before, you have: (R) challenger Dennis Delano is refusing to debate Senator Bill Stachowski, with the refreshingly stupid argument that “Debates are what career politicians do, and I’m not a career politician."

These reactions to, gasp, debates, are like something out of a seventies horror flick, with republicans playing the role of the unclean thing threatened with a bottle of holy water. You'd think, as someone of average intelligence, that debating is a useful skill for a legislator. Apparently, for our most worthy opponents, it's not a skill they'd like you to either observe or test.

On the web: Alice Kryzan for Congress

Governor David Paterson spoke before an overflow crowd at the UAW Region 9 hall in Williamsville today urging local voters to help get out the vote (GOTV) for Democratic candidates like Bill Stachowski, who is running for the New York State Senate.

For the first time in more than 40 years, Democrats are likely to take the Majority in the Senate. The ideological shift as a result will better serve economic development and job growth initiatives Upstate and statewide, which have floundered under a failed economic agenda of Senate Republicans. The election of Stachowski is recognized as key to that changeover in power in Albany.

"Bill is one of the most dedicated public servants I have ever had the pleasure of working with," said Governor Paterson. "He has an uncommon understanding of the communities of his district and the concerns they face. New York is in some tough times. We cannot afford to lose Bill's experience, knowledge and vision. Democrats have the first opportunity in more than 40 years to create real change with Bill's election—to grow the upstate economy, bring new green jobs and industries to our state, and ensure every New Yorker gets the education and affordable healthcare they deserve. Anyone who cares about these issues can be proud to cast their ballot for Bill Stachowski on Tuesday."

Speaking to hundreds of supporters, Governor Paterson spoke about the importance of this year's election and why Democrats have earned the chance to lead Congress and the State Legislature. He noted that people who want to see real change cannot stop at Barack Obama for President—they need to vote right down the ballot.

"People should not underestimate the importance of this election and how every race on every level of government can make a difference," said Democratic State Senator Bill Stachowski. "Governor Paterson has provided incredible leadership during hard economic times. It is nice to have a partner in the Executive Chamber who is committed to Western New York and the health of our economy. Western New Yorkers deserves better than what the Republican legacy has left us. There is a lot of hard work to get things back on track. I look forward to joining with the Governor as a member of the Democratic Majority in the Senate, focusing on the issues that matter most."

United States Senator Charles Schumer today joined Democrat Bill Stachowski in Buffalo to announce that he was endorsing Stachowski in his campaign for the New York State Senate.

Schumer orchestrated the Democratic takeover of the U.S. Senate in 2006 and is leading the effort to expand on that majority in this year's election. Despite his very busy schedule, New York's senior senator made time to support Stachowski and appear at events in the 58th State Senate District, where he noted how important it is to have partners like Stachowski in Albany.  read more »