Davis enters race for Lee's vacant seat

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The race to replace former congressman Chris Lee is starting to get a little crowded.

Candidates in a potentially crowded race have two months to get their messages out in two media markets, Buffalo and Rochester. Big campaigns can require a lot of money and a lot of passion.

Jack Davis said, “I'm a driven man. I'm on a mission.”

Self-funded independent businessman Jack Davis furthered his mission for a seat in Congress by collecting more than 12,000 signatures on nominating petitions.

“The large quantity of signatures shows the voters disgust with the undemocratic backroom choices of the candidates of the two major political parties,” said Davis.

Davis, who says free-trade agreements have drained America of its manufacturing jobs, says if he's elected, “You're going to save jobs. You're gonna have a better future for your children.”

Kathy Hochul said, “Too many jobs are leaving, spending in Washington and Albany is out of control.”

Just two days after Kathy Hochul received unanimous backing from Democratic Party leaders in the 26th District, the National Republican Congressional Committee welcomed her into the race with an attack web ad.

The ad states, “Hochul learned how to tax and spend as a Washington lobbyist, and she's been taxing and spending ever since.”

“They're concerned about my candidacy,” said Hochul.

Hochul, who 21 years ago lobbied for technology companies for less than a year, says Republicans are worried.

Hochul explained, “They're very concerned about my ability to crossover appeal to Republicans and Conservatives, as I've always done.”

Jane Corwin's campaign calls Hochul: "A career politician who has routinely voted to raise taxes and fees.”

Will the National Democratic Party give Hochul the money she needs for media campaigns?

Political analyst Joel Giambra said, “Democrats right now are sitting on the fence from a national standpoint. If they see that Kathy Hochul gets the traction, that she's able to raise some money and she's able to make this a competitive race, I think you'll see the Democrats at that point weigh in with some dollars.”

Hochul says she will run on her record as Erie County Clerk and stands for cutting waste and holding down taxes. Iraq War veteran David Bellavia mustr have his petitions postmarked by midnight. Green Party candidate Ian Murphy has already filed his petitions. The special election is on May 24th.