Hayworth On a Roll

Nan Hayworth, the Mt. Kisco ophthalmologist seeking the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Congressman John Hall is picking up endorsements all over the 19th Congressional district.

Though candidates from across the district have announced preliminary plans to challenge her for the GOP’s endorsement, none have filed official papers. Meanwhile, Hayworth continues to consolidate support from area Republican committees and officials.

Hayworth has already received endorsements from the Republican committees in her “home base” of Bedford, Mt. Kisco, and Pound Ridge.

And last week, Hayworth received several endorsements in Orange County, from Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, and several Town Supervisors, including Mike Sweeton of Warwick, Frank Fornario of Blooming Grove, and Kevin Quiqley of Cornwall.

Denis Castelli, of the Southeast GOP committee, also chose to endorse Hayworth. “No teleprompters, no cue cards, no nonsense. Her sincere, conservative, patriotic stance makes her the ideal candidate to oppose the incumbent who blindly approves every plank in the administration platform,” said Castelli.

“I am honored that so many committees and public officials from both sides of the river have come forward to offer their support and endorsement,” said Hayworth. “At a time when we need to reduce the deficit, restrain federal spending, and reduce taxes to stimulate the private sector and create new jobs, it is gratifying to know that so many are willing to join this crusade to change the disastrous course of the current Congress.”

In the past month, several candidates from across the 19th District have announced their interest in challenging Hayworth. They include former mayor of Tuxedo Park, David McFadden; Mahopac businessman Thomas DeChiaro; Orange County Republican Committee Chairman, William DeProspo; and Brewster resident, Neil DiCarlo. None have filed official papers with the Federal Elections Commission, though some have announced staff hirings and initial fundraising.

“I have raised $200,000 and assembled an outstanding campaign team unlike any other,” said McFadden. “I am armed and ready to take on any and all new challengers head-on.” Mahopac’s DeChiaro has only set up an exploratory committee, while DeProspo has said that he would make a decision in the coming weeks.

Besides one call from DiCarlo, none of the potential challengers have contacted Putnam’s Republican Chairman, Tony Scannapieco. Scannapieco reiterated that in normal election years, candidates typically do not announce until March. “But getting out early, that can give you an advantage,” Scannapieco said.