click to enlarge - PHOTO BY JEREMY MOULE
- Tim Dean announced his candidacy for the 25th Congressional District this afternoon.
Tim Dean figures he can win the 25th Congressional District seat by connecting with common voters who are sick of their representatives voting along party lines.
Dean announced his candidacy today, a day after Republican Gates Supervisor Mark Assini kicked off his campaign and sitting House Representative Louise Slaughter, a Democrat, indirectly confirmed she's seeking re-election. County Board of Elections Commissioner Tom Ferrarese says Dean is registered with the Independence Party, though Dean says he's running as an independent and is not affiliated with a party.
To get on the November ballot as an independent, without the designation of a party, Dean would have to collect the signatures of 3,500 registered voters who have not yet signed other candidate petitions.
During a press conference this afternoon, Dean introduced himself as a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1983 to 1987, including a stint in Beirut. One of his core issues will be the restoration of veterans benefits, he said, namely the cost-of-living adjustment for retirees.
He said he also wants to repeal Obamacare, and he won't vote for any laws to restrict guns.
"I will govern by the Constitution without condition," Dean said.
In his remarks, Dean also said that he wants to improve the Rochester school district, including working with the community to emphasize the importance of getting a high school diploma.