POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County GOP nominating meeting was held on Tuesday night to endorse the Republican candidates for US Congress in NY 18 and NY-19, two NY Senate Districts, two Assembly Districts, and Dutchess County Sheriff. The nominating meeting offered two unexpected endorsements.
Town of East Fishkill Councilman Anil “AJ” Beephan beat Dutchess County Legislator Michael Polasek in a vote described as “extremely close” by sources. Polasek was considered to be the frontrunner in that race. Beephan was described as “euphoric” with the victory. In a statement, he said, “I commend County Legislators Mike Polasek and Doug McHoul for their efforts during this long process. Both are great individuals, and we are lucky to have them in the county government.”
The second upset involved the endorsement of a candidate to run for the State Assembly against Didi Barrett in the 105th District. Dean Michael, a Dutchess County Republican who has run against Barrett before, lost to Columbia County’s Brandon Gaylord.
Orange County resident and current Assemblyman Colin Schmitt was endorsed to run against Democratic Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney in NY-18. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro received the committee’s endorsement to run against Democratic Congressman Antonio Delgado in New York’s 19th Congressional District.
It came as no surprise that State Senator Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park) was once again endorsed for her reelection bid for the 43rd Senate District. Richard Amedur received the support of the Dutchess Committee for his challenge in the 48th Senate District.
Acting Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati has the full support of the Dutchess County Republicans in his bid to win the job held by his late boss, Sheriff Butch Anderson. He will square off against retired deputy sheriff Jillian Hanlon, a Democrat.
Dutchess County GOP Chairman Michael McCormack is pleased with the list of endorsed candidates. “It is a stellar group of individuals who will certainly shine above their opponents, and we are looking forward to a winning outcome for each of them in this November’s election,” he said. “Our candidates are the right people at the right time.”
