Valesky defeats Russo with the help of Syracuse voters

State Senate race was very close

by Ethan Kwassman (NCC News)

Nov. 3, 2010, 2:30 p.m.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Three-term Democratic Senator David Valesky edged out Republican challenger Andrew Russo in the 49th district state senate race.

It was often a nasty campaign between Valesky, a former Assembly aide and public broadcaster, and Russo, a concert pianist who lives in Fayetteville. But, in the end, Valesky was up to yet another challenge, and managed to cling onto his state Senate seat in Albany.

Syracuse voters were a big reason why, as votes for Valesky from the city were the largest amount out of all the counties in the district. Overall, Valesky won 53% of the votes.

Other noteworthy facts from this state senate race:

• Valesky was leading Russo by about 5,000 votes
• The margin of victory was the narrowest since 2004
• Nearly $2 million combined went into the campaigns
• Valesky is the third ranking member of the state Senate

State Senate race reaction

Russo says that the city voting was too much to overcome after failing behind.

"The city killed us," Russo said.

Valesky thinks that state and national factors contributed to this victory being narrower than previous races.

"I think it's a reflection of the fact that we've had a couple of difficult years from the economic recession to goings on in the Senate in terms of the coup that frankly was nothing short of an embarrassment," Valesky said.

A spokesman for Valesky's campaign says that Syracuse voters made an impact in this election.

"Syracuse, definitely was a very important part of the senator's re-election last night. The city has a lot of votes and a lot of people showed up to vote," he said.

Photo courtesy of nysenate.gov