Republican David Byrne kicked off his campaign to represent the 106th Assembly District, on Wed., Aug. 29. Byrne spoke to local officials, volunteers and supporters during an event held at his campaign headquarters in Hyde Park (Dutchess Co.). In a statement released by his campaign Tuesday, Byrne said, "New York...is at a crossroads. We can continue to be one of the highest taxed states in the nation, with one of the worst business climates, or we can lower these burdens on our families and businesses and make this state great once again." This is Byrne's first run for statewide office. A resident of Milan, he runs a real estate business and is a former member of the Milan Town Board; he is a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran. Byrne received endorsements from Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner, former Assembly Minority Leader John Faso, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and State Senator Steve Saland. Byrne will face Democrat Didi Barrett in the November general election. The new 106th AD includes parts of Columbia and Dutchess counties.