MOULE: Shifting allegiances in the 26th

By Jeremy Moule on September 10, 2008

The day is still young, but Democrats are starting to line up behind Alice Kryzan, upset winner in the 26th Congressional District Democratic primary.

The Monroe County Democratic Committee, which supported Jon Powers in the primary, has pledged its support to Kryzan.  The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, another Powers backer, has also rallied to Kryzan. This afternoon, committee officials added Kryzan to their Red to Blue program. Through the program, the committee runs advertising on behalf of candidates and directs donors to them, though they work independent of the candidates' campaigns.

For the party faithful who want a Democrat in the seat, these are good signs. The district's voters, the majority of who are registered Republicans, are now looking at two unfamiliar candidates. Kryzan and her Republican opponent Christopher Lee are both political newcomers. Lee has firm support from the GOP, including retiring incumbent Tom Reynolds.

At the same time, some Powers backers want Kryzan to prove herself. Robert Harding, a blogger at The Albany Project who lives in the district, is one of them.

"Kryzan must win over the Powers supporters like Jon won us over," he wrote. "I believe Kryzan can do it. But she has to do it. You can't just expect us to fall in line because you are the nominee. There is a reason we supported Jon. We want to see the reasons why we should support you."