A new political party that has homed in on local races across New York announced its endorsements this week of nine candidates in various Orange County races who will run on that party’s independent ballot line in November, in addition to their major-party lines.
The candidates backed by the SAM Party of New York include seven Democrats and two Republicans running in five towns and for Surrogate Court judge. The party said in its announcement that it had interviewed 200 candidates from around the state and supported those who promote good government, transparency and citizen engagement.
“The candidates endorsed by the SAM Party of New York have a record of accomplishment in their communities and believe in the principle of working with others regardless of political affiliation in order to get results for residents,” party chairman Michael Volpe said in a statement.
Here are the Orange County candidates who will appear on the SAM line on Nov. 5: Dennis Leahy, Montgomery supervisor (D); Kristen Brown, Montgomery council (D); Kelly Allegra, New Windsor clerk (D); Sylvia Santiago, New Windsor council (D); George Doering, Blooming Grove council (R); Thomas Becker, Chester council (D); Stephen Keahon, Chester council (D); Virginia Scott, Cornwall council (D); Timothy McElduff, Orange County Surrogate Court judge (R).
The party’s website indicates many of its endorsements are in the Hudson Valley, but are scattered as far as Long Island and Erie County. Its stated priorities include curbing corruption and revitalizing the state’s economy.