Scarsdale 2012 Election Guide

As we look ahead to the upcoming 2012 elections, Scarsdale Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race, issue and candidate in town. Our 2012 Election Guide is a quick, easy, go-to guide for Scarsdale election information and news. Be sure to check back for updates and new information.

Important Dates To Remember

September 13, 2012 – State and Local Primary
November 6, 2012 – General Election

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Names To Know

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Rockland/Westchester) is seeking re-election on the heels of her 19 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the past two years, Lowey has served the 18th district, a swath that come November. If elected, Lowey would then pick up Mt. Kisco and all of Rockland County, lose Scarsdale, and overall see the newly-crafted 17th shift further north. The GOP choice to face her? Joe Carvin faces a primary challenge June 26 against Jim Russell.

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Redistricting is also affecting U. S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-Bronx), who is seeking re-election after almost two decades in the House. Engel currently represents a region that includes the northwestern part of the Bronx, traveling north up Yonkers, the Rivertowns and part of Tarrytown, and connects to southern Rockland via the Tappan Zee Bridge. Now, , remaining in the Bronx while picking up part of Lowey's southern Westchester area–including Scarsdale. His district will be renumbered from the 17th to the 16th.

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NY State Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer (D,WF-37th Senate District) will not seek re-election this fall, opening a senate seat she has held for 28 years. Oppenheimer made the announcement in January, citing an upcoming shoulder surgery. Republican Bob Cohen, who came within a small margin of upsetting Oppenheimer in 2010, has already announced his intent to run again. Cohen has accepted the GOP nomination for the seat, but will still likely face a primary election against fellow Republican and North Castle Councilwoman Diane DiDonato Roth. On the other side, Democrat Assemblymen George Latimer has announced he will run for the seat as well.

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Scarsdale will no longer be a part of District 37 come November. Instead, Scarsdale will be part of the 35th District, currently represented by NY State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Elected in 2006, Stewart-Cousins (D) currently represents Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant and Yonkers. Her new district will now include Scarsdale.

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Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D), a longtime Scarsdale resident, has served in the NY State Assembly since 2000 and is currently up for re-election. She represents the 88th District: Bronxville, Eastchester, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, and parts of New Rochelle and White Plains. She is the chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families. Most recently, Paulin has made headlines for her proposed legislation on animal shelters and pet store regulations.

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Incumbent U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will face off against the GOP pick. The GOP primary is June 26. Bob Turner, the public servant who grabbed Anthony Wiener's seat and then had it redistricted out from under him, is already running against Gillibrand. Also on the GOP ballot are Wendy Long, George Maragos. Colila Clark of the Green Party is running, as well.

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As the race for the White House heats up and commandeers headlines, Patch will focus on how the nation election affects local residents. While president Barack Obama faces off with his republican challenger, we'll keep communities engaged with stories and polls . We'll also be tracking the Republican primaries, which come to a close in June 26.

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Patch readers have a unique opportunity to become involved this election cycle–beyond news tips and comments. If you are serious about a certain post, candidate or issue, use our blogging feature to connect with other residents and sound-off on the political stage.

To get started, email lisa.gentes@patch.com today.