NYSCD22

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3. Lawyer from Ithaca declares her interest in Hinchey's congressional seat

Lawyer from Ithaca declares her interest in Hinchey's congressional seat
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120208/NEWS/120209787/-1/NEWS

ITHACA — Leslie Danks Burke, a lawyer from Ithaca, is the fourth candidate to announce plans to run to succeed Rep. Maurice Hinchey — or at least part of his district, depending on reapportionment.

Burke, a Democrat, called Hinchey “a great advocate” and said “we must ensure that our region keeps a Democratic seat at the table.” She's raised $100,000 in the first week of her campaign.

While state officials have yet to redraw congressional district boundaries — the state will lose two seats — Burke said, “We cannot allow New York's slow redistricting process to shut us out. Slow redistricting favors incumbents because incumbents have the podium to raise money.”

Some have speculated that Hinchey's 22nd district could be split among two incumbent Republicans' districts.

Teacher George Phillips of Binghamton, who ran against Hinchey in 2008 and 2010, and former federal prosecutor Tom Engel of Lew Beach, both Republicans, and former Ulster County Democratic chairman Julian Schreibman, previously announced plans to run.