For immediate release – “The most important thing I have to do tonight,” said 59th State Senate District candidate Cynthia Appleton, “is to thank everyone for the privilege of running for this seat. I am truly honored by the support I received from people at the ballot box, and I am humbled by the many people who donated their time or made other contributions to this campaign.”

Appleton went on to note that she wanted to congratulate Patrick Gallivan for his victory. “We had different ideas about how to get there, but we all want what is right for the 59th District.”

See Cynthia Appleton, Democratic Candidate for the NY State Senate from the 59th District, in this video of a radio debate hosted by WBEN’s Dave Debo:

The original story on WIVB is here. A podcast of the radio debate is available here.

Peter Herr of BuffaloStuff.net has endorsed Cynthia Appleton for the NY State Senate. Herr writes:

I like Cynthia Appleton. She has a great grasp of what the hell is wrong in this state and she has some great ideas for actually doing something about it.

For Immediate Release — Cynthia Appleton, candidate for the State Senate in the 59th District, announced today that she received a contribution yesterday from the New York Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, and that she is returning the DSCC money.

“In light of last week’s very troubling report of the the State Inspector General about the conduct of some members of the State Senate leadership regarding the AEG bid, this is not money I can accept,” Appleton stated. “I also want to make it clear that I could not in good conscience vote for anyone under investigation for a leadership position once I become a Senator. I have spent this campaign talking to voters about reforming Albany not because it’s a campaign tactic, but because it’s what I believe we must do.”

Appleton is running on a platform that includes calling for real ethics reforms, so that legislators won’t be able to police themselves anymore, independent non-partisan redistricting, term limits, and greater transparency in Senate conduct. “I will not bring any conflicts of interest to Albany with me, because I will make serving the people of the 59th District my only job. I will retire from my career as a nurse and make the work of representing the voters my only concern. No outside income, no clients, no ulterior motives,” Appleton said.

Yesterday morning, October 25, at the WGRZ debate among the candidates for the 59th State Senate seat, Appleton asserted that her campaign was “unbought and unbossed,” powered by grassroots support rather than money from the DSCC. When the DSCC check arrived later in the day, Appleton immediately decided to return it.

“It was clearly the only thing to do, despite the fact that we could certainly use the money for last minute advertising.” The DSCC check was for $2,500, but only $1,428.57 represents DSCC funds; the remaining $1,071.43 is money the Democratic Rural Conference gave to the DSCC with the express purpose of funding Democratic Senate candidates in rural districts like the 59th, and that money has no connection to the DSCC fundraising marred by connections to the AEG scandal.

“With a check for $1,428.57 going back to the DSCC immediately, I am proud to say we remain independent, unbought and unbossed,” Appleton concluded.

Press contact:
Judith Hunter
Campaign Manager
(585) 615-2986

Cynthia Appleton is featured on the Capitol Pressroom radio show for Friday, October 22, 2010.

Check out this new video from the NY DSSC featuring Cynthia Appleton:

Check out our new video that will be used as a TV ad for Cynthia Appleton’s campaign for the New York State Senate from the 59th District!

The Daily News Online ran a nice article about Cynthia Appleton’s candidacy for the 59th Senate District in New York. The piece, called “59th District Senate: Food, politics mix at Democratic HQ”, said, in part:

Food and campaigning mixed Thursday night as State Senate candidate Cynthia Appleton hosted a meet-and-greet session at her headquarters on Main Street.

The evening combined with a baked goods sale to benefit her campaign. And along the way, she got to chat with those interested in the race.

“It’s going really well,” she said. “I just came from Buffalo where we had a Buffalo Rotary Club debate this afternoon. I think the campaign’s going very, very well.”

As evidence of the strong momentum for Cynthia Appleton’s candidacy for the New York State Senate for District 59, we’re pleased to announce that Cynthia has been endorsed by The Women’s TAP Fund and National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 3!

We’re pleased to announce that Cynthia Appleton has recently been endorsed by

• Dave Whitcomb, Canandaigua City Council, Ward 1
• Ellen Polimeni, Mayor of the City of Canandaigua
• Robert Duffy, Mayor of Rochester and Lt. Governor nominee

You can see all of Cynthia’s endorsements on the Endorsement page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — On Saturday, October 9, State Senate candidate Cynthia Appleton did a district-wide farmers market tour to highlight the importance of agriculture to the 59th District. At 8:30 a.m. Appleton began her tour in Erie County by visiting the East Aurora Farmers Market. From there, she went all the way over to Ontario County, the other end of the 130+ mile-wide district, arriving at the Canandaigua Farmers Market by 11:30. (This meant Appleton had been in all four counties of the district by 11:00 Saturday morning!) She wrapped up the tour in Livingston County at the Farmers Market being held at the Genesee Valley Hunt Races in Geneseo. She visited with voters there, giving away apples donated by Titus Farms of the Village of Wyoming, in Wyoming County.

Cynthia Appleton understands that agriculture is the economic foundation for a great deal of the the district and wanted to show her support for farmers and their issues. Besides introducing herself to shoppers at the markets, Appleton made sure to speak with the vendors and finding out their concerns. “I heard a lot about how they love their work but wish the state made it easier for them to be able to market their products more successfully,” Appleton said. “We need to reduce the expense and complications of licensing and taxes for these people who are finding new ways to make agriculture work in the district.”

Appleton’s visits made a real impression on the vendors she spoke to. Joanne Crosman, the Bee Master at Caledonia’s Log Cabin Acres (Honey and Beeswax Products), was very pleased to see Appleton at the farmers market in Livingston County. “Agriculture is the heart and soul of this area, and this area needs people who understand that representing us. Cynthia Appleton does.” Crosman agrees with Appleton that the agricultural economy of the district is crucial. “It ties into jobs and everyone’s well-being around here. If agriculture is doing well, the rest of the area is doing well.”

Cynthia Appleton has lived her entire life in rural Wyoming County, where members of her family have been dairy farming for over a century. “I intend to make the concerns of farming families one of my highest priorities in Albany. This district needs jobs, and we need to be able to use our agricultural assets to make sure farming is a viable option for the future.”

The 59th State Senate District includes parts of Erie, Livingston, and Ontario Counties and all of Wyoming County. The seat is open, as incumbent Dale Volker is retiring. Cynthia Appleton is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines.

The attached photos are of Cynthia Appleton admiring mums for sale at the East Aurora Farmers Market and Cynthia Appleton at the entrance to the Farmers Market at the Genesee Valley Hunt Races in Geneseo, Livingston County.

Contact:
Judith Hunter
Campaign Manager
(585) 615-2986

See Cynthia Appleton, our very own Hero of Reform, as she speaks during the NY Uprising rally in Buffalo.

We are very pleased to announce that Cynthia Appleton has been endorsed by SEIU Local 200 United in her bid for the NY State Senate from the 59th District!

For Immediate Release — Cynthia Appleton’s campaign said today that the race for State Senate in the 59th District remains fundamentally the same as it was yesterday, with voters having a choice between the same tired ideas that have failed the district so badly or new leadership that would bring the concerns of ordinary voters to Albany and work to fix our badly broken system.

“Nothing shows better that the Republican side is using its standard bag of tricks than this last minute, back-room maneuvering to get Mr. Domagalski off the ballot by nominating him for a judgeship he admits he doesn’t even want,” said Ms. Appleton.  “This is truly politics as usual.”  Noting that Republican-leaning voters will still be divided between two other candidates, Appleton continued, “I have been all over this district, meeting thousands of people in this campaign.  And everywhere I go, people are looking for representation from someone who doesn’t want to become part of Albany but who wants to fix Albany.  I’m not a career politician, and I’m not doing this to advance my personal interests.  As a State Senator, I would make representing the 59th District my only job.  The issues facing us are too important to be treated as part-time work.  I will work for a property tax cap, creating jobs in this region, getting state spending under control, and bringing true ethics reform to Albany.  Voters have a real choice in November.”

Cynthia Appleton was featured in a Q&A article “Cynthia Appleton, Democratic candidate for 59th state Senate district” in the Messenger Post.

Visit the article to learn why Appleton is running for the New York State Senate from the 59th District, what she thinks are the three most important issues for the district, how we should balance the state budget, and why she support a moratorium on hydrofracking until there is a full disclosure on the effects it will have on our region.

In this video from August, former NYC Mayor Ed Koch, Founder of New York Uprising, stands on the steps of Buffalo City Hall and names the local Heroes of Reform standing with him. Cynthia Appleton is named and in the video with Mayor Koch.

A new “Meet Cynthia Appleton” video is now available. In the video, Cynthia discusses why she is running for the New York State Senate and her plan for getting New York and the 59th District back on track.

Great news! Cynthia Appleton has been endorsed by the Transport Workers Union of Greater New York, AFL-CIO Local 100!

Cynthia Appleton has posted her positions on critical issues important for New York State citizens living in the 59th Senate District:

• Reforming state government
• Reduce the tax burden for average people
• Keeping and creating jobs
• Protect and value our farms and agriculture
• Education is the key to a more prosperous future
• Better and cheaper medical care
• Maintain our infrastructure
• Protection for all New Yorkers

Cynthia Appleton believes making government work means making it work for everyone. That means not just putting state government back in the hands of regular people again, instead of the wealthy and the well connected, but also ensuring that all people have the full protection and benefits of equality under the law.

That’s why she supports guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, the full protection of labor laws for people who work hard jobs to make a living, the freedom to marry for all New Yorkers, and the right to not be discriminated against in hiring based on gender, race, sexuality, or any other criteria except fitness for the job.

We’re pleased to announce that Cynthia Appleton’s candidacy for the New York State Senate from the 59th District has been endorsed by both the Western NY Council of CWA and UAW Region 9!

NARAL Pro-Choice New York announced their first round of endorsements in the 2010 races for the United States House of Representatives and their next round of endorsements in the 2010 election for the New York State Legislature and the United States Senate.

We’re happy to state that NARAL Pro-Choice New York has endorsed Cynthia Appleton!

As previously announced, the Stonewall Democrats of Western New York have endorsed Cynthia Appleton for the New York State Senate from the 59th District. Here is the press release:

The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York are proud to announce our endorsement of Democrat Cynthia Appleton in the race for New York’s 59th Senate District. Cynthia is an accomplished public servant, a proud and strong advocate for justice and equality– and she will restore that integrity to the office of the 59th District when she is elected this November.

“Cynthia Appleton is a phenomenal candidate,” said SDWNY President Bryan Ball. “She is the right person for the job at this time. A true community leader, Cynthia has a strong record of accomplishment, and the right commitment to the reform we so need in Albany. And she knows that true reform and justice consist of our community’s equality– by passing the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and Marriage Equality.”

Appleton is the the endorsed (and lone) Democrat in the race to represent Erie, Wyoming, Livingston and Ontario counties in the state legislature. She will face the winner of a crowded and ugly Republican primary, which will pit her record of accomplishment and commitment to equality against those of the political party that chooses again and again to deny our community our basic civil rights. Cynthia Appleton is a fantastic advocate for the LGBT community, and the LGBT community of Western New York will be there to support her candidacy and ensure our victory.

Cynthia Appleton has been endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of Western New York as the Democratic candidate for New York State Senate from the 59th District.

See the Stonewall Democrats web site for the full list of endorsements.

These photos were taken in Pike, NY, at the Wyoming County Fair as candidate for NY State Senate Cynthia Appleton campaigned with candidate for NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

See more photos from the campaign on our photo page and on Facebook.

[reprint of New Democrats of WNY press release, emphasis ours]

For Immediate Release, July 22, 2010

Contact: Linda Berman, Secretary, 716-688-4495 / pogolin1@aol.com

THE NEW DEMOCRATS OF WNY ENDORSE STATEWIDE AND LOCAL CANDIDATES

ANDREW CUOMO, ROBERT DUFFY, ERIC SCHNEIDERMAN AND TOM DINAPOLI STATEWIDE ENDORSEMENTS

BUFFALO, N.Y. – On Wednesday, July 21, 2010, the New Democrats of WNY (“New Dems”) held a general membership meeting to endorse candidates for local and statewide offices.  The organization unanimously endorsed Andrew Cuomo and Robert Duffy for Governor and Lt. Governor of New York. New Dems president and Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz said, “It is quite evident that New York needs new leadership that can end the gridlock that is paralyzing our state.  Andrew Cuomo has not just the vision but the ability to restore the public’s confidence in our elected statewide leaders and guide our state through these difficult economic times.  We are proud to endorse the Cuomo-Duffy ticket.”

The New Dems also endorsed NYS Senator Eric Schneiderman in the race for Attorney General. “In a crowded field of five strong Democratic candidates for Attorney General one stood head and shoulders above the rest: Eric Schneiderman. The next Attorney General should be a person not afraid to use the powers of that office for the betterment of our state and country.  Eric Schneiderman has proven throughout his career that he is a strong advocate for progressive values and protecting the common good. The New Democrats of WNY and I are proud to endorse his candidacy,” stated Poloncarz.

The New Dems also endorsed for Comptroller of New York Tom DiNapoli.  Poloncarz stated, “Comptroller DiNapoli has been a true watchdog for the people of New York during these turbulent fiscal times.  He is not afraid to call it like it is, regardless of the impact it might have on him politically, and deserves to be elected to a full term to continue to serve as the public’s fiscal watchdog in Albany.”

In local races the New Democrats endorsed Sam Hoyt for re-election in the 144^th Assembly District.  “Sam is a true advocate for all of western New York.  He has been at the forefront of economic development issues, whether it was through his work to preserve historic tax credits or pushing for high speed rail.  He is a long-standing friend of the progressive community and we proudly stand by him,” noted Poloncarz.

In state senate races, the New Dems unanimously endorsed Cynthia Appleton and Marc Coppola for the 59^th and 61^st districts, respectively.  Poloncarz stated, “Marc and Cynthia are strong independent candidates that can win seats that have historically been held by republicans. Each has shown the ability to win tough races in the past and they will each bring to the state senate the common sense it needs. We will vigorously support each during this Fall’s general election.”

In the race for Erie County Clerk, the New Democrats endorsed Kathy Hochul.  “Kathy Hochul has been a tremendous partner of mine in county government.  She has modernized the clerk’s office and deserves to be reelected for the great job she has been doing on behalf of the people of Erie County. We proudly endorse her candidacy for reelection,” noted Poloncarz.

Finally, the New Dems endorsed Buffalo City Court Judge James McLeod for Erie County Court Judge. Poloncarz stated, “Being an Erie County Court Judge is a difficult position as the judge often handles serious criminal matters that can have life-altering consequences.  Judge McLeod has a proven track record of being a fair jurist with the type of temperament that is needed for any person who sits in the difficult position of Erie County Court Judge, and we will support his candidacy during this upcoming primary and general election season.

The New Democrats of Western New York is an organization dedicated to advancing a 21st Century progressive agenda for the Buffalo-Niagara Region through the election of good Democratic candidates by the use of innovative modern means with proven grassroots methods of the past.

Our membership includes elected officials, Democratic activists and leaders from across all western New York counties with a proven track record of being able to deliver victories in important and difficult races. For more information about the New Democrats of WNY, please visit www.newdemsofwny.com.

Cynthia Appleton was recently highlighted in the Huffington Post article “Senate Races to Watch.”

While the Republicans are fighting among themselves, Cynthia is a clearly expressing how she will help clean up Albany and serve the people of the 59th Senate District.

NY Uprising, the group formed by former NYC Mayor Ed Koch and others to make sure this election changes Albany, has named Cynthia Appleton a “Hero of Reform.” Cynthia will be joining Mayor Koch at his appearance in Buffalo, Wednesday, August 4.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brette McSweeney
(212) 725-8825 ext. 253
brette@eleanorslegacy.com

Boosting Women’s Equality in New York State Politics:
Eleanor’s Legacy Gives Critical Early Endorsement to Cindy Appleton for State Senate

July 30, 2010, New York, N.Y. Only ten legislators in the New York State Senate are women – a share of just 16%. In a strategic effort to boost women’s election to state government, the Eleanor Legacy Roosevelt Committee (Eleanor’s Legacy) has broken with precedent and given early endorsements and campaign support to seven pro-choice Democratic candidates for the State Senate, including Cindy Appleton, candidate in the 59th State Senate district.

Eleanor’s Legacy President Nora Bredes explains, “We desperately need change in Albany, but true ethical and fiscal reform can’t happen without women at the table. Women are 52% of the population and a consistent majority of voters. We know that when women lead, the style and substance of our politics change. Governments begin to address issues like equal pay, children’s health, childcare and effective educational reform — issues that are central to effective governments and healthy families. With just ten women out of sixty-two state senators, our issues, values, and influence are undervalued and underrepresented.

“The women we’ve endorsed have years of experience in their communities or government. They’re well-educated, smart and effective. Each is running to unseat an entrenched incumbent or to reclaim an open seat. Each woman promises the change to honest, effective government we need.”

To address the need for reform and women’s equality, the board of Eleanor’s Legacy has provided seven early start grants of $1,000 each to seven state senate candidates: Cindy Appleton SD 59/Wyoming & Erie, Livingston, and Ontario Counties; Didi Barrett SD 41/Columbia & Dutchess Counties; Regina Calcaterra SD1/Suffolk County; Pam Mackesey SD 53/Tompkins County; Joanne Yepsen SD 43/Rensselaer & Saratoga Counties; Mary Wilmot SD 55 and Robin Wilt SD 56, both in Monroe County.

As a central part of this year’s efforts in many state races, Eleanor’s Legacy will track these campaigns throughout this election cycle. Eleanor’s Legacy will work to provide volunteers, campaign expertise, and other vital support to help insure electoral victories for these women and, in turn, for women and men throughout New York State.

###

About the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee (Eleanor’s Legacy): Formed in 2001, this political action committee has helped elect over 450 pro-choice, Democratic women to state and local offices in NYS. Eleanor’s Legacy has provided more than$1 million in campaign support to over 1,000 candidates. Eleanor’s Legacy inspires, trains and supports promising women candidates and works enhance women’s political power and influence.

The Livingston County News published a great story about Cynthia Appleton this morning. Called “Appleton offers hope to Democrats in District 59,” the article says, in part:

In a village where the ratio of registered Republican voters outnumbers Democratic voters three-to-one, Cynthia had garnered two-to-one election victories.

“At the local level we work across the aisle in a two party board. We work very well together and get the business done,” Cynthia asserts.

…Cynthia has enumerated her platform in several conceptual points.

The first, a property tax cap, is admittedly not what you’d expect to be number one in a Democrat’s repertoire.

The Daily Kos, a nationally read political website, has published an article called “NY State Senate: Meet the Democratic Challengers.” Among those profiled is our own Cynthia Appleton!