Story Created:
Oct 22, 2008 at 3:52 PM EST
Story Updated:
Oct 23, 2008 at 2:56 PM EST
HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Election day is less than two weeks away. As the big day approaches, we examine the 117th Assembly District race.
Incumbent Republican Marc Butler and Dan Carter are vying for the position. In talking about the 117th Assembly District, we're looking at Fulton County, Herkimer County, and parts of Otsego County. These areas, like other parts of Upstate New York are experiencing tough economic times. So how big an impact will experience play in the race?
Incumbent Assemblyman Butler, who began his career as a reporter and has served 13 years in the assembly says he has seen first hand how tough it can be to crack open doors across the aisle. "as you go along, you make contacts, you form coalitions with other people. We reach across the isle, it's a process that takes time to form those relationships," says Butler.
Carter, who has worked as a machinist for 30 years and was recently elected to the Herkimer County Legislature says he believes he has respect from both parties in his home county and doesn't think reaching across party lines to pass bills will be complicated.
"I'm not worried about the experience issue. I've been in politics in Little Falls, I've been interested since I was 8 years old. I think it's a moot point at this point," Carter said.
Butler, who is in the minority, feels entering 2009 with a governor who served in the minority of the State Senate will help lawmakers on both sides work faster to improve the cratering economy of upstate.
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