Patricia Doxsey is reporting for the Daily Freeman Red Hook resident Karen Smythe will launch her campaign for state Senate in the 41st District with an event March 7. Smythe, 56, executive director of the nonprofit Beatrix Farrand Garden Association in Hyde Park, announced February 26, she is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Sue Serino of Hyde Park. Smythe and Dutchess County Legislator Joel Tyner, of Clinton, are both seeking the Democrat nomination. Dutchess County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Elisa Sumner has already come out in support of Smythe, calling her “exactly who we need” in the state Senate. The 41st Senate District is comprised of most of Dutchess County and parts of Putnam. Smythe’s campaign kickoff event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. March 7 at Paula’s Public House in Poughkeepsie. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.