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July Dem unity event never happened

Candidates say they still plan on working together

During the Democratic primary for New York’s 21st Congressional District, so-called unity events became contentious — but the candidates say they still plan to work together.

Before the June 28 primary, then-congressional candidate Emily Martz of Saranac Lake invited other candidates to participate in a unity event on the night of the primary, an invitation both Dylan Ratigan of Lake Placid and Tedra Cobb of Canton, the eventual nominee, declined. Katie Wilson of Keene and Patrick Nelson of Stillwater participated or sent representatives from their campaigns.

At the time, Cobb wrote on Facebook that she appreciated the idea but would be working until late on Election Day.

“We appreciate the sentiment — our shared goal is to beat Elise Stefanik in November and it is going to take all of us working together to make that a reality,” she wrote. “I look forward to participating in a unity event in the days that follow.”

Martz also proposed a summit in July, bringing together all the campaigns and the various citizen groups that participated in the election.

These unity events never happened, according to Cobb, Martz and Wilson.

“An event was never scheduled,” Anna Sorensen, campaign manager for Cobb, wrote in an email. “We are very grateful for the support of the Democratic Primary candidates — they have been very supportive and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.”

Martz, now running to replace state Sen. Betty Little in the 45th District, said the five former candidates plan to work together in local races as well as the congressional contest.

“We’re going to be coordinating in every way possible,” she said. “We’re all committed to doing whatever we can.”

Martz said she has stayed in touch with the other candidates since the primary, and now that her state Senate campaign is off the ground, is planning to work with them more.

“The coordination and unification are underway,” she said.

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