McCaffrey retains DA post

By Les Bowen for Genesee Country Express and Hornell Evening Tribune
Nov. 7, 2012   |   Original source

Facing a split vote on the right, Greg McCaffrey on Tuesday accomplished what no other Democrat in Livingston County before him has: he was elected as District Attorney.

The unofficial vote tally from the county Board of Elections credited McCaffrey, who was appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last spring, with a plurality at 45 percent of the popular vote. Republican challenger Eric Schiener secured 36 percent of the vote and Steve Sessler on the Conservative ticket captured 18 percent.

Sessler and Schiener had faced each other two months ago in the primary, a race that culminated with the county GOP committee’s endorsement following a pair of court challenges that ended with the two in an even tie.

Schiener said he called McCaffrey to concede the race Tuesday night.

“We knew that politics are politics,” Schiener said. “It was nothing personal. He and his family have been great to me and my family.”

Schiener noted that the combined votes on the right were more than McCaffrey’s.

“He ran a spirited campaign and I wish him the best,” he said.

After working in the county DA’s office the last 12 years and spending the summer working on the campaign Schiener said he plans to take some personal time before taking his next career steps. He expects to stay in Livingston County.

Sessler was unavailable for comment. A post on the campaign’s Facebook page read, “I have called to congratulate District Attorney Greg McCaffrey on his win. Thank you for keeping this race respectful, Greg.”

Attempts to contact McCaffrey following the win were unsuccessful.