Convoluted national politics have taken over the local Congressional race this week between Rep. John Faso and Antonio Delgado. The Republican attacked Delgado Aug. 13 in a press release that name-checked Hillary Clinton, Faso's campaign criticized efforts to throw out petition signatures for independent candidates seeking to run against Faso and Delgado in November. A Times Union story says a close associate of Delgado who has contributed to Delgado’s campaign, Rima Liscum, challenged the petitions. “Make no mistake, Antonio Delgado, Nancy Pelosi or whoever is paying these high-priced lawyers to subvert Democracy in the 19th district are nervous,” Faso campaign manager Tom Szymanski said in the press release. “Antonio Delgado’s candidacy is flawed and they know he can’t win the race on his own merits.” So far Faso's campaign is not announcing local appearances, and has focused on attacking Delgado. The Democrat Delgado, meanwhile, has called on the Kinderhook Republican to return $3,000 he received from Rep. Chris Collins, a western New York Republican who was arrested by the FBI last week. "John Faso has consistently favored big corporations and special interests over the needs and concerns of his own constituents," said Delgado campaign manager Allyson Marcus. "He has taken thousands from dishonest representatives and Washington insiders. Faso should return the $3,000 from Collins immediately in order to finally demonstrate to the people of our district that he won't benefit from corrupt politicians." Faso did not comment on the contribution from Collins.

@DelgadoforNY19 & @NancyPelosi are nervous if their supporters are retaining high powered @dccc & @HillaryClinton lawyers (including Marc Elias, who paid Fusion GPS for Russian dossier) to subvert democracy & throw @DalLaMagna & @DianeNeal off ballot https://t.co/O4ngNMVRvk

— John Faso (@JohnFasoNy) August 13, 2018