Democrat claims he was forced to resign by GOP

105TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT — For six years, attorney Mark Blanchfield served on the Schenectady City Council and worked for the law firm of Hiscock & Barclay in Albany without issue. He believed the status quo would remain when he decided to run as a Democrat in the 105th state Assembly District against Republican incumbent George Amedore Jr. He was wrong. Blanchfield said the law firm told him in May he either had to quit the race or resign his position. He resigned in June. Blanchfield and his Democratic supporters link the law firm’s ultimatum to the influence of Republican forces, including Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady. Amedore is Tedisco’s chosen candidate and he and state Republicans have much prestige riding on the assemblyman’s re-election campaign. Republicans deny they played a role in the... [read full story]