27th District Dems Rallying to Vote Collins Out of Office

NYLON – The Democratic chairs of the eight counties comprising the 27th Congressional District are calling on anyone interested in running against incumbent Republican Chris Collins to contact them to prepare to run.

A press release from the Democratic Chairs from the eight counties which comprise New York’s 27th congressional district announces their new initiative, ‘Turn 27 Blue,’ a joint effort with grassroots groups to identify and prepare Democratic candidates interested in running for Congress. All people interested in becoming candidates for the Democratic nomination for this congressional seat in 2018 are invited to get in touch with them to learn more about the process and what is involved in running for Congress.

“There is just so much energy on the ground right now,” said Genesee County Democratic Chair Michael Plitt, “so we want to make sure we can help people navigate all that’s involved.”

The release said that there is unprecedented interest in next year’s congressional election. The leaders of the Democratic party in the 27th district have decided to approach this election cycle differently from previous years.

“We are just getting inundated with people saying they want to run against Chris Collins,” said Jeremy Zellner, the Erie County Democratic Chair, who added, “We also want to work closely with the many different grassroots organizations that want to be involved in the 27th District.”

“We decided a systematic approach will help to make the process more accessible to all who might be interested and give our eventual nominee the greatest chance for success,” said Judith Hunter, Chair of the Livingston County Democratic Committee. “Getting started now helps, too.”

The county committees wish to include new groups that have sprung up since the November election. The press release said that such groups are angered by Collins’ ‘pattern of ignoring his constituents.’

“From weekly rallies to protests to letter-writing efforts to billboard campaigns, ordinary people in this district are standing up and rejecting what Chris Collins has offered us,” said Michelle Johnston Schoeneman of Citizens Against Collins. “We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work to help those who are willing to stand up and become candidates. It’s great to be part of this effort.”

Interested candidates are urged to send a resume and cover letter to Chair@livingstondemocrats.org, as Hunter will coordinate this effort on behalf of the larger group.

“I will take care of sharing all the materials with everyone, and we will decide, based on how many inquiries we get, whether it makes the most sense to meet with potential candidates individually or to hold larger workshops,” said Hunter. “Rep. Collins has just been so unresponsive to his constituents that everyone is eager to get started.”