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Teachout endorsed by Dem chairs in 19th CD

Jan 19, 2016 12:03 am

The Daily Star is reporting Fordham law professor Zephyr Teachout has received the endorsement of the Democratic committee chairs in the 19th Congressional District in her bid for the seat currently held by Kinderhook Republican Chris Gibson. Gibson will not seek reelection in November. Teachout said in an online post over the weekend that she will soon announce her intentions. Teachout said she is “incredibly honored” by Democratic leaders urging her to run and “will be making a decision within the next week.” The Poughkeepsie Journal reported prior to making their decision, party leaders interviewed four Democrats at a closed-door meeting held in Hudson, Sat., Jan. 16. In a press release, Duchess County Chair Elisa Sumner said, "The chairs were impressed with the qualifications and commitment to public service shown by all four and would be proud to have any one of them represent us in Washington.” In addition to Teachout, the group heard from Margo Miller, a Dutchess County native who has been living in England; Will Yandik, a Livingston Town Board member and fourth-generation co-owner of a family farm; and, attorney Julian Schreibman from Ulster Co. Schreibman unsuccessfully ran against Gibson in 2012. In addition to those four, Dan Ahouse, chief of staff to former Rep. Maurice Hinchey has also indicated an interest in running. Candidate Ulster County Controller Elliot Auerbach, did not make a presentation on Saturday. And John Keho Jr., who declared his candidacy in June, has not reached out to the party for support. Teachout challenged Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in 2014, carrying all 11 counties in the 19th District. She now has a home in Dover Plains.