23rd Congressional race shines national spotlight on North Country

By By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Nov 3, 2009 at 4:55 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2009 at 5:15 PM EST

BOONVILLE, N.Y. (WKTV) - A political race in northern Oneida County has attracted national attention, and has voters lining up, waiting up to half an hour to cast their vote.

"This is one of the busiest election days I've ever seen," said election inspector Anna Borwick. "I haven't seen a presidential election this busy, this early."

A hotly-contested local race, too, brought many voters to the town and village offices.

"I think more people are interested in the superintendent's position but 23rd district has been a lot in the news lately," said voter Jeff Capron.

The congressional race is one of a few taking place nationwide in this 'off' year. The special election was forced when President Obama tapped Congressman John Mc Hugh for Secretary of the Army.

The plot thickened just this week, when Republican Candidate Dede Scozzafava bowed out of the race, endorsing Democrat Bill Owens, who faces off against Conservative Doug Hoffman.

All of the attention has been overwhelming for some voters.

One Boonville voter in particular was concerned for his elderly mother.

"She got tired of answering the phone for the past few days; she got calls from Giuliani and whoever stumping for their candidates and that really confused her even more," the man said.
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