Illuzzi letter

As first reported in the Illuzzi letter, the Independence Party (IP) changed the status of some county legislative candidates authorized to run this year.

It is widely rumored the changes were related to an ongoing feud with Republican elections commissioner Ralph Mohr. The battle in recent months has assumed a character, according to Republicans, that is more than strictly political. IP members say, however, the moves were necessary to preserve the independence of the party, and prevent its literal takeover by Mohr. Flynn has repeatedly vowed to keep the IP - as its name imlies- independent.

Three last minute changes in IP authorizations underscores the nature of the battle, which lately saw a Federal lawsuit dismissed, and another one initiated against Flynn by an insurgent IP group said to be closely aligned with Mohr.

First: The IP overall score in the 17 legislative races:

** Democrats got 10 outright.

** Of these, six were largely symbolic, since the election is determined by the Dem primary.

** Four of the IP endorsements of Democrats were significant since Democrats face a Republican challenger.

** William Pauley, (14th) nominally a Republican, but aligned with Swanick, got the IP endorsement.

** Republicans got two endorsements, (Barry Weinstein and Mike Razenhofer). Both are unopposed.

** IP member Richard Clark (3rd) was endorsed. He opposes Butch Holt (D).

** All three IP primaries feature incumbent Republicans facing his or her Democratic opponent.

THE SCORE

In races where the IP may be the margin of victory: Democrats five, Republicans zero.

Making matters more interesting is that all three changes in authorizations benefitted Democrats.

Fisher authorized - Caruso denied

4th district: Judy Fisher (D) got a boost from the IP. The IP had voted to authorize both Lucy Caruso and Fisher for a primary on condition that Mohr and other Republicans refrain from interfering with the party. Caruso fell victim to what is widely perceived in the IP as a continued effort by Mohr to oust Flynn. This caused considerable consternation among Republicans who hoped Caruso could, with the Republican and IP lines, prevail in the general election. Caruso is a registered "blank," supported by Giambra.

Chase gets primary

11th District: Another decision that surprised Republicans was that Jeannie Chase will face an IP primary with her Democrat opponent Joseph Lafferty. Chase expected the endorsement.

Larsen and Konst

15th. Another surprise for Republicans. Dale Larsen will now primary Kathy Konst. She opposed Larsen in 1999, and lost by a narrow margin.

Schenk vs McCarville

13th David Schenk (D) and incumbent Tim McCarville (R) will battle in this southtowns’s district with a moderate plurality of Republicans. Schenck also has the Conservative line.

The IP endorsement is significant for Democrats in these districts:

9th  Tim Pawarski (D). Pawarski's opponent, John Greenan (R), closely aligned with Mohr, did not seek the IP endorsement.

10th Lynn Marinelli (D) over Ann Lazarus.(R)

12th Swanick (D) over Kevin Hardwicke (R)

14th Swanick ally, Pauley,(R) in one of the most vehemently contested races this year, over George Hasiotis (D) and Elsie Cusack (R) who is supported by Bob Davis and Giambra.

The six endorsed Democrats where the IP endorsement is, arguably, of secondary importance, since the elections are typically decided in the Dem primary, are:

1st : Ed Kuwik

2nd . Mark Schroeder

5th . David Dale, a registered Democrat, not affiliated with any faction of the Democratic party. He will be running against Giambra ally and incumbent Greg Olma.

6th . Jack O’Donnell (Pigeon- Swanick ally) over Al DeBenedetti (D), a Giambracrat.

7th Crystal Peoples

8th . Ray Dusza