State Senator Oppenheimer and Assemblywoman Paulin Endorse Ron Tocci

(July 15) Assemblyman Ron Tocci's campaign reports that he has picked up the endorsement of State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, a Democrat who represents the Mamaroneck area. Tocci, is competing with New Rochelle City Councilman Noam Bramson to represent the 91st Assembly District. The two will face-off in the Primary Election on September 10th.

Senator Oppenheimer has been signaling her support for some time, and has signed Mr. Tocci's petition. However, today she publicly announced her endorsement. She called Tocci, "A proven leader who gets results for our communities," and mentioned that, " We have worked as a team in Albany and in the Sound Shore communities."

Oppenheimer's endorsement was coupled with that of State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, from Scarsdale. Both leaders cited Tocci's commitment to education, and Oppenheimer also mentioned his support of the environment and health care.

According to the Tocci campaign, the Assemblyman secured an additional 22.3% in state "base aid" for the Mamaroneck schools above what the Governor had proposed this year. . The Mamaroneck School District, with a total budget of around $75.6 million, received $5.13 million in base aid, $112 thousand more than last year. "As a member of the majority party in the Assembly, and with long-standing relationships with Speaker Silver and Ways and Means Chairman Farrell, that's how you get an additional $934,000," reported a Tocci campaign aide.

"I am delighted by the endorsement of my colleagues," said Tocci. He added, "Their support means a lot to me because these are well-respected leaders who have earned the trust and widespread approval from Democratic voters across the district."

The Westchester Republican Party also endorsed Tocci on June 24, and on July 11 Tocci reported accepting their offer to run on the Republican line in the November general election. News of this acceptance prompted the Mamaroneck Democratic Party and a group of Democratic leaders in Larchmont and Mamaroneck to announce their support of Mr. Bramson on and to call for Mr. Tocci to withdraw from the primary.

Upon hearing of Oppenheimer and Paulin's announcement, candidate Bramson responded, "It is not surprising that Suzi and Amy would feel obliged to endorse a colleague in Albany. Mr. Tocci's record, however, differs significantly from that of Senator Oppenheimer and Assemblywoman Paulin. Unlike Mr. Tocci, I would stand together with Suzi and Amy on such critical issues as gun control, a woman's right to choose, hate crimes, and civil rights. I look forward to working with Suzi and Amy, and I am confident that they will support me after the primary."

Mr. Bramson was referring to the unusual situation in which, in order to win the 91st Assembly seat, he must defeat Mr. Tocci first in the primary, and again in the general election.

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