By News Staff
Buffalo, NY – Incumbent Kathy Hochul was a clear winner Tuesday night in the race for Erie County Clerk, defeating Republican challenger Bill O'Loughlin by a 67 to 33 percent margin.
The key issue in the race was Governor Spitzer's unpopular proposal to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Hochul won by a wide margin even though both she and Spitzer are Democrats, and on a night when a Republican coasted to victory in the county executive's race.
O'Laughlin was disappointed that his strong stance against the Spitzer plan didn't resonate more with voters. He gave up his seat on the Amherst Town Board to run for clerk.
In the Erie County Legislature, the Democrats held on to their 12-to-three majority. There are two new legislators -- Edward Rath, the third, takes over for Barry Weinstein in the 15th district. And after losing two years ago, Timothy Wroblewski is back as ninth district legislator.
The County Legislature's longest serving lawmaker, Republican Michael Ranzenhofer, won re-election. He faced a serious challenge from Democrat Alan Bedenko, who is a local blogger known as Buffalo Pundit. Ranzenhofer said he faced the challenge like any other.
In the only two contested races for the Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo police officer David Rivera captured 61 percent of the vote to win the Niagara District seat in a four-way race. Incumbent Brian Davis easily retained his Ellicott District seat with 89 percent of the votes. Both winners ran as Democrats.
In other races, Democrat Tim Fronczyk won the Erie County judge contest, with 65 percent of the vote. Frank Caruso, James Dillon and Rose Sconiers took the three State Supreme Court seats in a five way race.
In the town of Tonawanda, Anthony Caruana defeated Robert Newman by a two to one margin. Melissa Brinson was elected town clerk, and Daniel Crangle reelected to the town board.
Scott Bylewski was elected as Clarence town supervisor, Peter McMahon is Grand Island supervisor, and Robert Giza was reelected supervisor in the town of Lancaster.