ROTTERDAM — The two candidates for the 21st Congressional District sparred over energy policy and drilling, universal health care and transportation issues at a debate this morning sponsored by seven area chambers of commerce.

In their first meeting since the Sept. 9 primary, Republican James Buhrmaster, president of Buhrmaster Energy Group and a second-term Schenectady County Legislator, tried to paint Democrat Paul Tonko as a career politician and himself as small businessman not afraid to take shots at either major party. The hour-long question-and-answer session took place at Mallozzi’s.

Republican 21st Congressional District candidate Jim Buhrmaster promises to bring a different kind of experience to Washington.
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Tonko, a 24-year assemblyman and former chairman of the state Energy Research and Development Authority, responded by calling Buhrmaster’s attacks divisive, driven by half-truths and empty solutions.

Tonko and Buhrmaster, who will face each other Nov. 4, contrasted on almost ever question they answered during the event, organized by the Chamber of Schenectady County. They are seeking to replace Rep. Michael McNulty, D-Green Island, who is retiring in January after 20 years in the House.

Democratic 21st Congressional District candidate Paul Tonko pledges to continue a long-standing partnership with the local business community.
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During the event, which started with a handshake, Buhrmaster repeatedly attacked Tonko, a tactic his campaign intends to use as a way to define the differences between them, said Buhrmaster spokesman Josh Hills.

“You will find that I am against regulation, against spending, against taxes and that my opponent is for them,” Buhrmaster said.

Tonko waited until the end of the event to deliver a rebuttal: “We are friends, but I would ask you to share the whole story [about taxes and spending]. It is not business against the rest of the world, it is not Paul Tonko against business and Buhrmaster for business. It is about working together.”

Tonko is considered the frontrunner in the race. The 21st District has been in the hands of Democrats for 50 years and is considered a safe seat for the party. Republicans counter there are 100,000 people not affiliated with either party who could swing the election to the right candidate.