Absentee ballots will decide winner in McDonald-Marchione race

Posted at: 09/14/2012 4:51 PM | Updated at: 09/14/2012 5:19 PM
By: Mark Mulholland

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HALFMOON - It was a long, contentious campaign. And it's not over.

Republican Senator Roy McDonald is locked in a political dead heat with challenger and long-time Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione.

"I'm pretty excited," said McDonald Friday afternoon. "This is the democratic process and it's obvious that nobody's going to win this primary with a mandate or a big number."

There are more than a thousand absentee ballots to be counted in this race. To be counted they had to be postmarked by yesterday and received by next Thursday.

"So, we're going to wait to see what they bring us before we declare victory," said Marchione.

Most of the absentees will be counted by September 20. Both campaigns will hire attorneys who will go over each ballot with a fine tooth comb and challenge their opponent's totals.

Marchione has the Conservative Party line in November. McDonald has the Independence Party line.

Both want the Republican line.

Marchione continues to criticize McDonald for his vote to legalize same sex marriage. But the senator said Friday if he had it to do over, he wouldn't change a thing.

"I wouldn't have changed any of my votes. I have taken lots of votes, do the best you can. I'm very proud that I do it as sincerely as possible."

Marchione stands by her position that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The candidates were friends and political allies before the campaign. Now they don't speak. NewsChannel 13 asked them both Friday afternoon what they would say to each other.

"I would say to him that people do care very much when you tell them something and then do something else," Marchione said. "And I think people gave him that message."

McDonald said he would wish Marchione well, "Good luck. God speed. And enjoy your family."