Early Edition...We're Back!
He is clearly a man who is grateful for the little things people did to help him get elected as our next Rensselaer County District Attorney. Rich McNally, his wife and family were all present at a 3 hour long thank you celebration at Ryan’s Wake in Troy. Ryan’s is a popular spot with a traditional menu and great atmosphere including an old mahogany bar that is said to have originally come from Cuba.

From every town of Rensselaer County they came to join Mr. McNally and his family in celebration of what can only be described as an unexpected win against a GOP icon in Greg Cholakis, the Cholakis name so often rooted in Gus Cholakis, Greg’s highly respected father who was not only a former county DA, but also a Federal Judge.

The warring factions of the Democratic Party were present with both the Wade and Mahoney sides represented. McNally thanked each for their contributions which he believes made his win possible.

There were several North Greenbush Democrats present including County Legislators Brian Zweig and Kevin Harrington. Also a former County DA, Lou Catone, the last Democrat to hold the office.

Troy City Chairman Frank LaPosta was present along with City Councilman Clem Campagna, former North Greenbush Councilman Alan Sunkjian and current Councilman Alan Michaels. Also, Mark Streb, a North Greenbush resident and former campaign operative in the Spitzer organization.

We did not notice any of the current leaders of the North Greenbush Democratic Committee, from Jeff Spain to Kathryn Connolly, although their support for the GOP candidate for DA and Town Offices may have had some bearing on their absence.

We certainly wish this self described "lunch pail lawyer" all the best as he begins to organize his office. Let's see, maybe the County Civil Service gang will try to step in and force him to retain the GOP appointed assistant district attorneys claiming they are "protected" or that they must "approve" his appointments. The majority in the county legislature has already cut the budget of the office which would have never happened had the Republican won.