2 in GOP launch bids for state Senate

Republican candidates have launched campaigns for the state Senate seats being vacated by John Bonacic and William Larkin Jr.

In the 42nd Senate District, where Bonacic, RMount Hope, is stepping down, Republican Orange County Clerk Annie Rabbitt launched her election bid Monday.

“My priority has always been our community, our issues and our people,” Rabbitt, a former state assemblywoman, said in a prepared statement. “Now, more than ever, we need a strong voice representing us in Albany to ensure the Hudson Valley and Catskills are not forgotten.”

Two Democrats — Rosendale Councilwoman Jen Metzger and Minisink resident Pramilla Malick — previously announced plans to run for the 42nd District seat.

The 42nd Senate District includes parts of Ulster, Delaware, Sullivan and Orange counties. In Ulster County, the district includes the towns of Rosendale, New Paltz, Gardiner, Shawangunk, Wawarsing and Denning.

In the 39th District, where Larkin, R-Cornwall, is retiring, Stony Point Councilman Thomas Basile formally entered the race on Saturday.

Accompanied by Larkin, Basile said during a rally in Newburgh that he plans to work for the people to address concerns about taxes and health care.

“We deserve to continue to have someone in the Senate who understands the basic economics that seem to be lost on New York City political posses — that you can’t tax your way to prosperity, borrow your way out of debt and throwing more of our money at problems and programs isn’t a real solution we can afford,” Basile said.

Orange County Legislator Michael Anagnostakis, a Republican from the town of Newburgh, also is exploring running for the 39th District seat, as is Democratic Assemblyman James Skoufis.

The 39th Senate District includes the Ulster County towns of Plattekill and Marlborough, central and eastern Orange County and the northern tip of Rockland County.

Democrats currently hold a one-seat majority in the state Senate, but Republicans control the chamber because Sen. Simcha Felder, D-Brooklyn, caucuses with the GOP.

Larkin and Bonacic are among five Republicans in the Senate who have announced they will step down at the end of this year. The others are Kathy Marchione, a Saratoga County Republican who represents all of Columbia County; Tom Croci, of Long Island; and John DeFrancisco, who represents pat of the Syracuse area.