Conservative Split

An old-timer in the North Country's Republican Party establishment, Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, may be getting a primary challenger for her 114th district state assembly seat. Two potential challengers have already emerged and they both appear to have been a product of the aftermath of Dede Scozzafava's nomination for NY-23 last year.

First, it was reported that Paul Maroun of Tupper Lake was coming out swinging. Now there is a story that David Kimmel may put forth his own effort to be the Republican party's nominee for the 114th District. Both Kimmel and Maroun have an extensive military background and both consider themselves conservatives. Local activists have described both men as the same candidate who have different names. Duprey is seen as more of a moderate or liberal, although she repeatedly disputes her record being called "liberal."

Maroun may also be interested in trying for the 23rd Congressional seat so it will be interesting to see how Kimmel's entrance into the 114th will affect his decision to run for state government or the federal job. Either way, Maroun's entrance into either race could result in a split among conservative activists in the 114th state district and also in the 23rd congressional district, conceivably allowing a more moderate candidate to break through with a plurality of the vote.

Maroun has put his name out in the press and has remained open, but uncommitted, to either race. Maroun has also been the most public and outspoken in his criticism of Scozzafava and Duprey saying back in November that, "There are a lot of people upset at the way she (Duprey) handles herself. You can't support a liberal on everything, and then say you are not a liberal. She has got some political problems. I'm a big boy, and she's a big girl, and we'll see what happens."

Paul, we are still waiting to see what your decision is. Can conservatives unite behind a single candidate or will they split their vote between various candidates in 2010, leaving the moderate wing of the party some breathing room and a chance to win the nomination?