Yes, it was just yesterday that Elise Stefanik was sworn-in for her second term in Congress (or so it seems that way.)
But the first Democrat wishing to challenge her in 2018 has stepped up to the plate.
His name is Patrick Nelson and he announced his candidacy on of course, Youtube.
He's a 27 year old from Stillwater. (Candidates from the Western End of the district aren't appearing)
He compares his throught process to that of Bernie Sanders.
Here is the small script attached to the video: (This is not the video transcript. The video is about 5 minutes long.)
We are grown from the Grassroots and bringing 21st century policies to New York’s 21st Congressional District. We will build upon the progress made by the Bernie Sanders Campaign; offering a bold vision for the future of New York’s North Country and the future of our nation.
Together we are going to build a new model of open and transparent government based upon dialogue and not demagoguery. If you believe that America should be run for the people then join our campaign.
In return I will give every ounce of my strength and energy to be the best candidate I can be.
Watch the video to see some of the issues Nelson wants to address.
They include global warming, renewable energy, health care, campaign finance, election reform, the environment and more.
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As for me, I've never met Patrick Nelson and hope to soon.
I'm mostly interested in two things.
First, how much of a candidate is Nelson?
Look, I've been doing this a long time and need more than two hands to count the number of Candidates who have announced a run for office and done some interviews before fading out.
It's one thing to say I'm running, it's another to put on the shoes and actually hit the road.
I have no reason to believe Mr. Nelson isn't fully capable of running this marathon to election day 2018, but there's a lot of work ahead and I'm sure many more people that will decide to announce as well.
Again, a lot of work ahead for anyone who wants to challenge Stefanik.
Second is, beating Stefanik is hard to envision.
Ask Matt Doheny. Ask Aaron Woolf. Ask Mike Derrick. Ask Matt Funiciello.
She not only wins, she dominates.
She is VERY popular.
When you look at or think about, what could someone do to beat her, it's hard to think of anything other than some crazy scandal. Knowing Ms. Stefanik, I highly doubt that's going to happen.
So then what else is there?
Maybe Trump.
We've seen people appear at her district offices to demand these town hall meetings and discussions about issues. Your opinion on the reason these protests are happening aside, they are happening.
Is it enought to sway 20-25%? We'll see. People are not happy.
Can guilt by association be enough?
Patrick Nelson has to hope so and almost certainly will have to make that connection to have a chance... but remember, overall Trump isn't looked at the same way in NNY as he is say NYC or California.
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Here's what Nelson is doing right.
He's getting his name out there EARLY.
That's huge. I can't tell you the number of people that had no clue who Aaron Woolf or Mike Derrick was. That's especially true here in the Western end of the district where these candidates are from hundreds of miles away.
You have to start early and you can't stop. A candidate has to pound away and pound away some more. People have to know who you are.
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People on this side of this stupidly large distrct will get the chance to meet Patrick Nelson on March 11th.
It's a pancake breakfast with the Jefferson County Democratic Committee.
Events like these are important because you really need that committee support in most every district to even have a shot.
Here are the details of that meet & greet.
What? Pancake Breakfast and Meet-n-Greet with NY21 Announced with Candidate Patrick Nelson
Who? Jefferson County Democratic Committee and supporters
When? Saturday, March 11, 2017 9am-11am
Where? Trinity Episcopal Church Parish House, 227 Sherman St., Watertown, NY