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Anti-fracking candidates didn't fare well

Anti-fracking sentiment in the Southern Tier was felt at the polls when candidates opposed to drilling were beaten up and down the ballot Tuesday.

In the 22nd congressional district -- which also extends into central New York -- Democrat candidate Dan Lamb tried to make his anti-fracking stance central to his campaign, but was handily beat by incumbent Republican Richard Hanna.

Some of the more intense campaigns in the Southern Tier were framed as referendums on shale gas development. Democratic challenger Nate Shinagawa lost by about 10,000 votes to Republican incumbent Tom Reed in the 23rd congressional district, which extends from Tioga County all across the Southern Tier. Shinagawa is outspoken against hydraulic fracturing.

In the race for Broome County executive and in town races in the Southern Tier, anti-fracking candidates also were beaten by candidates who want Governor Andrew Cuomo to allow the controversial drilling process.