After more than a year of waiting, Republicans have landed their candidate to run against Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-N.Y.).
Richard Hanna (R), who came surprisingly close to upsetting Arcuri in 2008, has signed up for a rematch.
“I am running as an Independent minded, pragmatic American who believes that it is government’s responsibility to clear the way for individuals to solve problems, to foster all those productive economic and educational elements that create jobs and opportunity, which has allowed our nation’s citizens to enjoy the highest standard of living in the world,” Hanna said on his website.
While I’ve heard some voices say that last night’s special election win in Massachusetts for the Republicans should be taken as an isolated event that isn’t necessarily predictive of what will happen in November (and, indeed, special elections are special), don’t think that it won’t have a big impact. Guys like Hanna, who almost beat Arcuri in a stunning near-upset in 2008, are probably feeling more juiced-up than ever about running. I wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Brown’s win gave Hanna the extra boost to press forward.
This will be a top-tier race, for sure. In Arcuri’s favor, he won’t be caught flat-footed this year. However, he’ll be running in a more volatile environment than the one in which he was nearly defeated last time. Expect a barnburner.
RaceTracker Wiki: NY-24
Did Arcuri pull a “Coakely” last year that he was nearly beaten? Or did he (like many other house Dems), run behind Obama’s coattails b/c of ticket splitters? If it was the latter, then this he is in for a tough fight. But if it’s the former, then he needs to vaporize his GOP opponent before he gets his feet on the ground.
Arcuri switched off in the last few weeks and sent his operatives and volunteers to the 25th and 29th.
Won’t happen again.
But when a incumbent or candidate screws up or runs a poor campaign is that the new meme now, getting Coakleyed? If it is I love it and hopes it catches on.
in 2008, while Hamma – a good one. But in 2008 that was barely not enough (for Hanna). If both will run similar campaigns in 2010 – Hanna will win. and even not in a squeaker. So, a lot of things depends on whether Arcuri learned a lesson from “almost lost” campaign of 2008 and learned how to campaign and convince people. But, undobtely, he got a strongest possible opponent (and relatively moderate to boot, and this district is tailor-made for moderate)