AMSTERDAM, NY---Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks brought her campaign to the Mohawk Valley, making a stop on the street named after the very man that used to hold the seat.
"Breton industries is a company that has been here for generations," Brooks said.
As of late, Brooks is on a roll. Fresh off the endorsement of Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan, sister of retiring Congressman Mike McNulty, and Mayor Brian Stratton's decision not to run for the position
Amsterdam Mayor Ann Thane joined Brooks at the event, but she's withholding her full endorsement, waiting to see who else steps forward.
A day after picking up a key endorsement in her bid to become the next Congresswoman in the 21st district, Democrat Tracey Brooks started her campaign swing. Her stops in Amsterdam and Gloversville brought her to the backyard of a very popular former Assemblyman whose name has been brought up for the seat but so far he's remained remarkably mum on the issue. Our Mark Repasky reports.
"It's not an endorsement at this time because I am meeting with several of the candidates," Thane said.
That non-endorsement pretty much sums up the political climate here.
When you campaign in Amsterdam, you're in Paul Tonko's backyard literally and though local papers and politicians have speculated he might run he hasn't said a thing to reporters or fellow party members.
Our reporter asked Thane, "Have you talked with Mr. Tonko about the seat?"
"I actually haven't, sorry Mark," Thane said.
"[Paul Tonko] is a wonderful friend and an excellent public servant. Who has represented this area for quite some time but I hope I'll be representing the area in the future," Brooks said.
"So you don't know?" our reporter asked.
"I really don't know if he is or isn't," Brooks said.
Brooks said the two have been exchanging calls but they haven't talked since she announced.
Tonko's silence stands to become the elephant in the room, a room full of Democrats.