It might have been a chilly, damp day, but that didn’t stop the Democratic hopefuls vying to win this month’s primary for the 23rd Congressional District to turn out for a rally in front of Congressman Tom Reed’s office located in Geneva.
“I don’t want to live in a society that gives up on the poor,” said Max Della Pia, a candidate vying for the Democratic nomination to take on Rep. Tom Reed. “I don’t want to live in a society that does not provide Medicare for all; and I don’t want to live in a society that puts wedges and walls between all of us because what makes this country strong is our diversity.”
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“We’re demanding better representation,” added Ian Golden, another candidate vying for the nomination this month. “We need more integrity and leadership.”
The rally was intended to shine a light on the candidates who will makeup the Democratic Primary for the 23rd District. It’s a seat that Rep. Reed has held comfortably, but Democrats believe this is their year. “We’re stronger now than we ever have been before,” explained one curious resident, who said they were a lifelong Democrat – and never felt better about the party’s direction. “There have been some challenges, but I think this is our chance to win an important seat away from Republicans.”
“Our elections need to be funded and controlled by the people, and not corporations,” added Golden, who has made ‘clean’ campaign finance a legislative priority if he’s elected.
Della Pia agreed with the sentiment. “Don’t even allow personal financing of campaigns, because in the end we need to serve our voters – the constituents who trust us to do their bidding in Washington.”
Interested voters showed up to the Geneva office holding signs. The rally was not the first of its kind to be held at the Exchange Street location.
The Democratic Primary will be held on June 26th.
