Kennedy edges out Quinn by 2 %

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Democrat Tim Kennedy and Republican Jack Quinn III were neck and neck in the race for the State Senate's 58th District, until the very end.

It was just before midnight when Tim Kennedy finally took the stage in a narrow victory in the 58th State Senate district.

NY Senator Elect Tim Kennedy said, "Today, western New York stood up to the negative smear campaigns and said no and they said yes to the opportunity, and hope."

Kennedy edged out Republican Jack Quinn by about 1,800 votes, or 2 %.

Quinn said, "We knew from the get go what was going on here. There are 60,000 more Democrats than Republicans. We fought from the beginning of this race, back in March, a principle of the race based on our five-point plan. I congratulate Tim Kennedy for the win this evening."

Irish eyes were smiling at South Buffalo's Irish Center, as Kennedy managed to eak out a win even though, the incumbent, Bill Stachowski stayed in the race on two minor party lines and garnered about 18% of the vote.

Kennedy said, "I'd also like to thank Senator Bill Stachowski for his years of service. I'd also like to thank Jack Quinn III for such a closely contested race."

Tim Kennedy heads for Albany January1st, filling the seat that has been held by Bill Stachowski for nearly 30 years.