Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Beth Bashing

One-time At-Large Councilwoman and former Troy Council President Beth Walsh, wife of Troy City Court Judge Chris Maier, got the rough treatment from Boss Tom Wade on the issue of the upcoming Family Court election. An opening on the bench is being created by the retirement of Judge Linda Griffin this spring.

Walsh would like the Democratic nod for Family Court, but Wade told Walsh last week not to count on party backing. Instead, Wade plans to throw his support to East Greenbush Judge Diane Schilling.

The question remains whether Walsh wages a primary for the judgeship. Democrats are said to be urging Walsh to run because she has an edge on experience, and are also probably noting the fact that Wade has a rough record on primaries. Last year, Wade backed Brian Premo for the 42nd Senate District seat, only to see Saratoga's Mike Russo win by big margins right in Rensselaer County.