Buffalo News Political Reporter Bob McCarthy says Chris Collins showed "great confidence" as he swept aside David Bellavia in the Republican primary in the 27th Congressional District.
That confidence, McCarthy says, comes from the Collins' campaign understanding of the newly-formed 27th district. Tuesday's vote showed Collins winning easily in the towns of Erie County where Republican enrollment is high.
The Collins win sets up a battle with current Congresswoman Kathy Hochul, whose campaign immediately launched into attack mode minutes after Tuesday's results became official. McCarthy expects more of the same moving forward with many of the attacks coming from state and national party officials on both sides of the aisle.
Wendy Long's win in the Republican Senate primary probably left her with an empty campaign treasury, McCarthy believes. Despite painting incumbent opponent Kirsten Gillibrand as the "most liberal" member of the Senate, Long will have to overcome Gillibrand's $10 million advantage.
McCarthy is preparing for Mitt Romney's Friday visit to Buffalo, though he doesn't expect the Republican Presidential nominee will take any time for the local press.
Romney will be earn $1 million at a local fundraiser during his visit.
