Special Election Countdown: 26th Congressional District
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: May 24, 2011
The race for the 26th was expected to be a slam dunk.
Now, it's turning into a nail biter.
Recent polls show the Democratic candidate pulling into the lead, in a traditionally Republican district.
For months, those living in the 26th Congressional District have been without representation for months.
The former Congressman Chris Lee resigned admist scandal.
There are four candidates in this race: Democrat Kathy Hochul, Republican Jane Corwin, Tea Party Candidate Jack Davis, and Green party candidate Ian Murphy.
Voter turnout could make or break a candidates' chance at winning the seat.
So the final day, the final hours are critical to getting out that vote.
In Amherst, a 7 million member senior advocacy group backed Republican Jane Corwin.
That comes despite her support for the controversial "Ryan Plan" that would reshape Medicare, including creating vouchers for it.
But the group believes that Corwin is the candidate who will save Medicare, in contract to accusations against her.
"I probably would have addressed the Medicare message coming out of my opponent quicker. I think that I have to admit when she started making these comments this is so outrageous that no one would ever believe it. Apparently, some people did," said Jane Corwin, (R) Congressional Candidate.
Meanwhile, the other front runner, Democrat Kathy Hochul, is getting endorsements of her own.
This time out of Albany.
"She always stood up for people, local government, she is what we need...she will protect medicare," said Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, (D) New York.
Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy put his support behind Hochul Monday, as has Governor Andrew Cuomo.
It comes as recent polls show Hochul leading Corwin by 4 to 6-percent.
"I was one month late getting into the race, day one there was negative ads before could raise enough money to counter. We definitely had a disadvantage but it's all about the message," said Kathy Hochul, (D) Congressional Candidate.
Tea Party Candidate Jack Davis doesn't have the backing of national Tea Party leaders.
He also didn't receive any endorsements today, but he says he is not concerned by big backers or even the numbers.
"The most important poll and they only poll I am concerned about is tomorrow's poll," said Jack Davis, (T) Congressional Candidate.
Davis spread his message on the airwaves, taking calls from voters on WXXI Monday afternoon.
He claims Corwin and Hochul have painted lies about him during the campaign.
Now, this self-made millionaire wants voters to know his focus is one fixing the nation's money money issues.
"All you have to do is put 8-percent more Americans back to work and the income taxes will pay, social security, that will solve all these problems," said Jack Davis, (T) Congressional Candidate.
The Monroe County Board of Elections says there are more than 92,000 registered voters in its region who can head to the polls tomorrow.
Special election estimates put the voter turnout to be anywhere from 6% to 32%.
