County Democrat chairs support Aubertine for Senate

In a letter released Wednesday afternoon, the Democratic County chairs from Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties all expressed their intent to back Darrel Aubertine in the upcoming special election to be held to fill the 48th District Senate seat.

Aubertine, who currently serves as a New York State Assemblyman, representing the 118th District, has not yet officially entered the race for the Senate seat, but has noted he will make a decision in the near future.

Speaking about the letter sent out on Wednesday, Aubertine said, "I am certainly flattered that the county chairs have spoken so highly of me and offered their support. As of right now, I am certainly leaning in the direction of running for the seat, and I am anticipating an official announcement being made one way or another over the course of the next few days."

Aubertine has been elected to three consecutive terms as assemblyman, and in doing so became the first Democrat to represent the 118th District in Albany in more than 30 years. That district includes both Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, which along with Oswego, make up the 48th Senate district.

The letter, which was sent by all three Democrat chairs, Sean Hennessey of Jefferson County, June O'Neill of St. Lawrence County and William Scriber of Oswego County, spoke of Aubertine as "someone who truly represents the hard working people of this district," describing him as, "one of us." Going further to list his many accomplishments since being elected to the Assembly including, "saving job, securing money for our schools and health centers, defending sportsmen, protecting family farms and working hard to lower taxes."

Scriber offered the following statement in his support of Aubertine. " I believe he would make an outstanding candidate. I truly feel that in looking at our candidate in comparison to his opponent, the residents will agree that Darrel better represents the background and values of the people in Oswego County and across District 48."

A date for the special election that would fill the 48th District Senate seat has yet to be announced. The position will become vacant on Jan. 7, as a result of Senator Jim Wright's retirement.