Democrats across central New York are making their final push for votes before Election Day. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) rallied volunteers in Syracuse to support congressional candidate Colleen Deacon in the 24th Congressional District.
Deacon worked as Gillibrand’s regional director for central New York. At the get out the vote rally Friday in Syracuse, Deacon shared more of her personal story of being a single mother on Medicaid to supporters. Gillibrand gave Deacon a rousing endorsement and said Deacon is a fighter who also has empathy.
“She knows what it’s like that that’s why you have social safety nets, that’s why we need paid leave in this country," Gillibrand said. "Her opponent doesn’t have the guts to support a real paid leave program."
Deacon attacked her opponent, Republican Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus), on issues central to the campaign, including defunding Planned Parenthood and preventing those on the terrorist watch list from buying a gun.
“We don’t need somebody like that in Washington," Deacon said. "We need somebody who is going to stand up, be a leader, be a fighter, and represent the middle class, represent the working families, represent single moms, represent those people who need to have a voice at the table.”
The 24th Congressional District includes Onondaga, Cayuga and Wayne Counties, and the western part of Oswego County.
Gillibrand also stumped for Democrat Kim Myers running in the 22nd Congressional District, which covers portions of eight counties.
Democrat Diane Dwire also rallied Deacon supporters in Syracuse. Dwire is running for New York State Assembly against incumbent Republican Gary Finch in the 126th District.
“I’m feeling energized,” Dwire said. “I think many people probably say I wish I had another month to talk and meet with people, but also I’m anxious for Tuesday to come. We’ve worked hard, people are out there, we have a strategy plan to talk to people to get people out on Tuesday. If we get people out, I think we should win.”
Democratic Assemblyman Al Stirpe is fighting for re-election against Republican challenger Vincent Giordano in the 127th District. Stirpe said he also is feeling good going into election day.
"We've worked very hard for the last 10 or 12 weeks," Stirpe said. "We've been out door-to-door six days a week, done a lot of I think good mailings. The only thing I ask people when I go to their door is please come vote. I don't really tell them who to vote for, but I need everyone to come out and vote."