Candidates agree on goal but not how to achieve it

UTICA – The two candidates in the 24 Congressional District agree: The current Social Security system should remain in place and not be privatized

But Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, and Republican challenger Richard Hanna, of Barneveld, do have some differing opinions on how the government will have to respond to the program in the coming years.

The funding for Social Security is collected through workers’ paychecks. This year, for the first time ever, the system is paying out more money than it is taking in.

Despite this, both candidates said that projections show the system can remain as it is until 2037.

Hanna, however, said that with more money going out than coming in, the government is going to have to stop borrowing from Social Security and start dedicating funding to support it.

Hanna said he doesn’t think Arcuri understands that this needs to be a priority because Arcuri has voted for major spending bills such as the stimulus bill.

“The government is going to have to meet its obligation to keep it solvent,” Hanna said, of Social Security.

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ONEONTA _ Congressional candidate Richard Hanna visited Oneonta on Wednesday to hear directly from opponents of hydraulic fracturing and natural gas drilling.

About 25 people sat in a circle at the Seen/Unseen art gallery, at 77 Main St., for about 90 minutes exchanging views with Hanna, who said he supports a ban on hydraulic fracturing because questions persist about its safety.

“The word `safe’ is subjective,” Hanna said.

Though natural gas drilling may benefit New York’s lagging economy, Hanna said, water is a public asset that cannot be put at risk.

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UTICA – Richard Hanna appeared on NewsChannel 2 WKTV Newstalk tonight with host Steve McMurray.

Among the topics Richard and Steve discussed: honest leadership, jobs and the economy, the race for the 24th Congressional District, and the future of Upstate New York.

To see the full-length interview click here.

Complains about fundraising letter citing spring layoffs

A Cortland-area construction company whose officials have donated to Republican candidate Richard Hanna is becoming increasingly involved in the race for the 24th Congressional District seat, most recently by taking umbrage Wednesday at a fundraising letter from the campaign of U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica.

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New York Republican Reaches ‘Young Gun’ Status with Clear Path to Victory

Washington- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican Richard Hanna (NY-24) has reached ‘Young Gun’ status, the top level of its three-level Young Guns program. By advancing to the program’s top tier, Hanna has proven his ability to build a winning campaign and achieve substantial fundraising goals.
 
Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide.
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Most Arcuri dollars come from outside district; Area business leaders make significant donations to Hanna

Most individual donors to U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri’s campaign live within the 24th Congressional District, but they’re giving far less than local donors for Republican Richard Hanna, many of whom are business owners or officials.

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Over the past 20 years, I have interviewed thousands of candidates, but never one quite like Richard Hanna.

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Congressional candidate Richard Hanna is a Republican — it’s just not necessarily how he defines himself.

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After losing by roughly 3 percent of the 248,000 votes cast in November 2008, Richard Hanna has decided to start a campaign that could lead to a rematch with the 24th District’s incumbent congressman.

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