Late entrant won't 'let those boys beat me'
A woman whose introductory campaign video is titled “I’m Not Gonna Let Those Boys Beat Me” has joined the six men seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. John Faso in the November election.
Erin Collier, of Cooperstown, describes herself as a progressive, an economist and an eighth-generation native of the 19th Congressional District.
In a press release announcing her candidacy, Collier said, “I grew up farming in upstate New York, and went to work as an economist under the Obama administration. I’ve put the values of hard work, service and inclusiveness I learned ... to work in my career.
“Donald Trump and Republicans like John Faso are destroying workingclass families like mine with their wildly irresponsible actions and policies,” she added. “Women make up less than 20 percent of Congress. Our voices are drastically underrepresented. We need to do better. We need change. That is why I am running for Congress.”
The statement announcing Collier’s candidacy characterized Trump administration policies as “reckless and irresponsible” and stated her intention to “stand up for women’s rights, fight for health care for all Americans, focus on progressive economic policies for growth for the 19th District, and protect our environment from the devastating impacts of climate change.”
According to biographical information provided by the campaign, Collier grew up on a farm in Cooperstown and graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University and with a master’s degree in economics from Michigan State University. She worked for the United Nations in Thailand and in the Obama administration as an agricultural economist, according to information in her announcement.
Faso, R-Kinderhook, who is in his first term in the swing district, has yet to formally announce his candidacy for re-election.
The other Democratic candidates in the race are Gareth Rhodes, of Kerhonkson, Jeff Beals of Woodstock, David Clegg of Woodstock, Antonio Delgado of Rhinebeck, Brian Flynn of Elka Park and Pat Ryan of Gardiner. Two Democrats dropped out previously: Sue Sullivan of Plattekill and Steven Brisee of Walden.
A Democratic primary in the 19th Congressional District is scheduled for June 26.
Actress Diane Neal, a Hurley resident, has said she will mount an independent candidacy for the House seat.
The 19th Congressional District comprises all of Ulster, Greene, Columbia, Sullivan, Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego counties; most of Dutchess County; parts of Rensselaer and Montgomery counties; and a small section of Broome County.