In what would normally be a very dull election day, political observers are closely watching today whether Republicans gain an edge in races where Gov. Spitzer‘s plan for giving driver’s licenses to illegal aliens has become a major issue.
“The Spitzer thing doesn’t help anyone in a close race,” declared veteran political consultant Joe Mercurio.
In Nassau County, Republican Joseph Belesi has been hammering Democratic incumbent David Mejas in a county legislative race for refusing to take a stand on the Democratic governor’s licensing plan.
Democrats hold a slim 10-9 majority in the county legislature.
In upstate Erie County, incumbent County Clerk Kathleen Hochul is opposing Spitzer’s proposal – even though she was appointed by the governor to replace David Swarts, recently named commissioner of motor vehicles.
The Republican challenger, Bill O’Loughlin, has repeatedly brought up the issue.
The licenses have also figured in the Onondoga County executive race, where polls show Democratic Assemblyman William Magnarelli trailing Republican Joanie Mahoney.