The 2006 New York Comptroller election took place on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Democrat Alan Hevesi won against Republican challenger Chris Callaghan. Hevesi was plagued by scandals during the campaign involving misuse of state funds, and resigned a few days before his second term would have begun.
Democratic primary Nominee Alan Hevesi was the incumbent state comptroller. A Democrat and former professor, Hevesi was first elected in 2002. He previously served two terms as New York City Comptroller from 1994 to 2002, when he was term-limited out of the office. At the time of the election, he was being investigated for using a state employee as a chauffeur for his wife and failing to keep records or reimburse the state of New York by the Albany County District Attorney.
Republican primary Nominee Christopher Callaghan, the Republican candidate, served as the Treasurer of Saratoga County, New York from 1997 to 2006. He was first appointed to the position by governor George Pataki in 1997, and elected to a full term later that year. He was re-elected twice.
Third parties Declared Julia Willebrand (Green), educator and peace activist John Cain (Libertarian), insurance broker Willie Cotton (Socialist Workers), journalist Disqualified Michael Cronmiller (Right to Life)
General election Campaign
On October 12, 2006, Albany County District Attorney David Soares' office announced they were investigating Hevesi over claims that he hired a public employee to chauffeur his wife. Eleven days later, the New York State Ethics Commission deemed Hevesi's actions in violation of state law.http://blogs.nydailynews.com/dailypolitics/archives/2006/10/hevesi_in_troub.php
On October 26, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer withdrew his endorsement of Hevesi, saying that "[r]ecent developments in the Comptroller's race are deeply troubling. The outcome of the Ethics Commission investigation presents information that compromises Alan Hevesi's ability to fulfill his responsibilities."http://blogs.nydailynews.com/dailypolitics/archives/2006/10/spitzers_statem.php On November 4, Hevesi was ordered to pay an additional $90,000.
Endorsements
Polling Source Date Alan Hevesi (D) Chris Callaghan (R) Quinnipiac November 6, 200650% 38% Marist November 3, 200648% 36% Siena November 3, 200639% 35% NY1/Newsday November 2, 200648% 38% Marist October 27, 200650% 38% Siena October 26, 2006 39% 39%† Marist October 20, 200662% 22% Quinnipiac October 18, 200654% 27% Siena October 16, 200652% 25% Zogby October 10, 200642% 23% Quinnipiac October 4, 200659% 21% Marist September 28, 200657% 27% Marist September 8, 200657% 28% Marist August 200660% 27% Marist July 200657% 29% † Of voters polled in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.
Results
See also Election results, New York Comptroller New York gubernatorial election, 2006 New York United States Senate election, 2006 New York attorney general election, 2006
References
External links Chris Callaghan's 2006 campaign website New York State Office of the Comptroller