Election Results: Carrozza, Pataki, Schumer Victors

First term incumbent Ann-Margaret Carrozza has beaten Republican challenger Doug Prescott. Carrozza was helped by a stronger than expected Democratic vote, especially in the sections of the district north of 26th Avenue. Carrozza is the first Democrat in two decades to survive a challenge from Prescott. The Republican first beat incumbent Democrat John Nicolosi in 1980, then lost in 1982 to John Duane, only to come back in 1984 to beat Duane. Carrozza beat Prescott in 1996, and this year beat back a strong Prescott challenge. In the past two years, Carrozza built a strong record in legislation affecting seniors, the environment, and crime. Her survival in office became a major priority of Democrats statewide and Carrozza’s triumph is a vindication of their strategy.
 SCHUMER UPSETS D’AMATO
Queens Congressman Charles Schumer overcame a monumental early lead by incumbent Republican Senator Alphonse D’Amato to win a seat in the U.S. Senate. In a race characterized by mudslinging in both directions, Schumer emerged victorious. Schumer owes his victory largely to a strong vote in New York City. Schumer thus becomes a 1998 rarity — a Democrat who upset an incumbent Republican.
 PADAVAN TROUNCES ALAM
State Senator Frank Padavan handily beat Democratic challenger Morshed Alam. Alam, an immigrant from Bangladesh who came to this country only fourteen years ago, was the first candidate of South Asian ancestry to be nominated for the state legislature by a major political party. Alam was not supported by the Democratic Organization and had trouble finding enough money to run an adequate campaign.
 PATAKI BEATS VALLONE
Governor George Pataki overwhelmed Queens Councilman Peter Vallone to win re-election. Pataki rapidly assumed the lead over Vallone and held it until the end. Despite the presence of five candidates in the field — Pataki, Vallone, Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey Ross, Tom Golisano, and Al Lewis, Pataki’s vote remained close to 50 percent throughout the pre-election period. Pataki is expected now to seek a place on the national Republican ticket, perhaps in the Vice Presidential spot.
 SPITZER BEATS VACCO
Democratic challenger Elliot Spitzer upset incumbent New York Attorney General Dennis Vacco. Spitzer won largely because of a massive New York City vote and because he was able to successfully challenge Vacco’s ethics. Spitzer charged that Vacco had made politics rather than justice the watchword of his office. He attacked Vacco’s ethics in taking contributions from companies under investigation. Apparently, those charges were successful, eroding Vacco’s strength.