Senate Campaign Brings New Face to Ballpark

The candidates for the 52nd District state Senate seat are making appearances across the Southern Tier as they try to meet as many prospective voters as possible before the November special election. They're vying to replace Republican Thomas Libous, who was convicted of lying to the FBI.

Republican candidate Frederick Akshar, the Broome County undersheriff, has been introducing himself to Binghamton Mets fans at the downtown baseball stadium.

Akshar chatted with some of those who attended last Thursday night's game even as a familiar "Tom Libous" sign remained in place in the outfield.

Within hours of that stadium visit, the Libous sign was replaced with an Akshar campaign message.

Akshar's Democratic opponent - former Broome County executive Barbara Fiala - says she hasn't done any campaigning yet at Binghamton Mets games. But she noted that she does have experience at throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a few B-Mets games while she was state Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner.

Fiala said she's been out campaigning at community events around the district and plans to make more appearances in the days ahead.

It's going to be a short campaign. The election will be held in just 12 weeks - on November 3.

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