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Updated 01/25/2008 07:25 PM

Amsterdam democrat considers run for Congress

By: Mark Repasky

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. -- She is not ready to throw her name in just yet, but Amsterdam Democrat Susan Phemister confirms she's considering a run to represent the 21st Congressional District.

"At the moment it's about putting together the support and the money that I would need in order to run," Phemister said.

Phemister, a vice-president at Reuters in Manhattan, has never run for office before.

But she sees that an asset in today's political environment, comparing herself to people like George Amedore, Ann Thane and even Michael Bloomberg, who were business leaders long before they became office holders.

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"I am a business woman. I work in Manhattan. I live in Amsterdam. I think that voters are showing they value business people and doers," she said.

Phemister moved to the Mohawk Valley with her husband and three children in 2005. They purchased the Amsterdam Castle and converted into their home and business.

That project gained the attention of Eliot Spitzer, who made it a stop during his campaign for governor.

While she has yet to speak to him about her run, Phemister says she has reached out to a number of leaders across the 7-county district.

"Every county wants to put forth the candidate that will win and be successful and provide the best for the district. Of course the Albany area is incredibly important and I just as any other candidate need to appeal to that," she said.

Phemister said April will be the point of no return, and she'll make a decision by then.

There is also another Amsterdam name being mentioned for the seat, Paul Tonko.

If he were to jump into this race, it could have a big impact on Phemister's fundraising ability.

We called his office today but did not get an immediate response.