There hasn’t been much publicity about it, but the Democrats are having a Primary Election on Tuesday, June 23rd.

Democrats are noted for being somewhat scrappy and independent-minded, so this should not be a surprise. As a matter of fact, having elections is a good thing. There are two individuals who are now vying for the Democratic nomination to run against our current Congressman in the fall election–Aaron Geis and Kevin Stocker.

Since Geis is from the Southern Tier (Olean,) he might be deemed the favorite as the 23rd Congressional District is primarily a Southern Tier District. Yet, Stocker, from Erie County, has a family history connected to Ellicottville in Cattaraugus County, so he can also claim Southern Tier roots.

The winner of the primary will be running against our current Congressman, Nick Langworthy, from Niagara County. Yet, Langworthy also has Southern Tier roots as he was born in Jamestown, grew up in South Dayton, and his father has for many years been a well-known and successful businessman as owner and proprietor of the Bullfrog Hotel located in Jamestown.

In short, all of those who have announced that they are running for Congress can claim a connection to the Southern Tier–so I doubt that residency will be much of an issue in the coming campaign.

Instead, I expect that the major issue for this year’s election for Congress will be the same as it is across the country–the track record of our current President, Donald Trump. Congressman Langworthy has been a big supporter of the President on almost every issue, and the Democrats will be deciding which candidate has the best chance to upset Langworthy in the general election.

The chances of that happening, of course, are slim. The Southern Tier has always been Republican Country and the lines of the current 23rd District were drawn to continue that tradition.

Still, the Democratic Party, being what it is, has experienced enough enthusiasm to bring forth two candidates seeking election to replace Langworthy. There will be a least one debate between Geis and Stocker which will take place under the sponsorship of the League of Women Voters, on Saturday, May 23rd, at 7 p.m. at the Grange Hall in Fredonia. Democrats, Republicans, Independents – voters of any ilk are welcome to attend this event.

There may be other opportunities to meet these candidates, but it is important that the general public be made aware that there is a Democratic Primary happening on June 23rd. The current Democratic State Comptroller is also being challenged in the primary–so that contest to run for statewide office will also be decided in the June primary election.

Sometimes, I think we take our elections in this country for granted. People forget that candidates must declare their candidacy, then get petitions signed, filed and approved, and, after that, conduct themselves through the rigors of a campaign.

It is not easy, and we should be appreciative when individuals decide to place their name before the public on a ballot so that the people can decide who will represent them.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.