Essex DA race sorts out

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June 13, 2009

By LOHR McKINSTRY The Press Republican Sat Jun 13, 2009, 03:20 PM EDT

WESTPORT — The race for Essex County district attorney could have just two candidates — instead of four — by the time the Sept. 15 primary rolls around.

Independent DA candidate Brian Barrett of Lake Placid said he’s considering dropping out of the race and throwing his support to incumbent DA Julie Garcia of Westport.

And potential Democratic candidate John F. McAlevey of Jay says he’s not running since he didn’t get his party’s endorsement.

A Republican, Garcia was the candidate endorsed by the Essex County Democratic Party Committee, and she now plans to run on the Democrat line in the November general election.

The path to Garcia’s endorsement was cleared when both Barrett and McAlevey no longer requested endorsement.

Republican challenger Kristy Sprague of Plattsburgh had previously withdrawn her endorsement request, saying she felt McAlevey should be considered first because he belongs to the Democratic Party.

Sprague said Friday that when Barrett withdrew his request, that gave the Democratic Party Committee “few alternatives” to endorsing Garcia.

Sprague earlier got the Essex County Republican Party endorsement over the incumbent.

Essex County Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Montgomery Corey said McAlevey will be meeting with them to discuss support for Garcia.

“We are looking forward to getting him together with Julie to talk about the race, and how his extraordinary commitment to good government and public service can enhance what we’re doing in the DA’s race.”

Barrett said he’s decided he’s only running if he feels Garcia can’t win.

“I’ll only file my petitions in August and run as an independent if I think Julie is doomed, which, at this point, she is not.”

Party designating petitions have to be filed by July 16, and independent petitions by Aug. 18.

Barrett said if he drops out he’ll back Garcia.

“I’m truly glad Julie got the Democrats’ endorsement. Julie’s the candidate for keeping law and order, and I’m the candidate for keeping the peace.”

Sprague said Barrett’s announcement wasn’t a surprise to her.

“Brian made it very clear, after my Republican endorsement, that if he did not get the Democratic support that he would most likely drop out of the race. That is a tough decision to make, but only one that he can make. Best of luck to him in whatever he decides.”

Corey said Garcia won them over with her campaign platform.

“Her message of transparency (and) good government is very important to us.”

Garcia said she will remain a member of the Republican Party and is circulating petitions now to run on that line against Sprague in the September primary.

“The race will make Essex County history because you’ll see two major political parties working at the grassroots level to promote good government. Certainly I would appreciate Mr. Barrett’s support; he knows how important this race is to the people who live in our county.”

McAlevey said he didn’t formally withdraw as a candidate, but he’s fine with the Democrats’ endorsement of Garcia.

“I’m out of it. I said if they didn’t pick me there would be no hard feelings. I just said, ‘Why are you going with Republicans when there are Democrats.’ I said it was up to them.”

He said he’ll now support Garcia.

“She’s the Democratic nominee. Of course I will support her. I don’t know that much about her record.”

He said he hopes to garner more information when he meets with Garcia.

Meanwhile, Sprague said her campaign is forging on.

“I plan to continue this race as the endorsed Republican candidate in the primary election. I am anticipating, and am ready for, a two-party race in November.”

E-mail Lohr McKinstry at:

lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com