BETHEL — On the last Saturday before Election Day, Republican candidates gathered outside Sorella Pizzeria in the Town of Bethel amongst local political leaders and supporters.

Town of Bethel Republican Chairwoman Susan Brown Otto introduced Dutchess County Executive and candidate for the NY-19 Congressional District Marc Molinaro, State Senator Peter Oberacker, candidate for State Supreme Court Judge Thomas Marcelle and candidate for Sullivan County Family Court Judge Jacqueline Ricciani.

“I have been around Sullivan County and it fits like a glove to the other six counties in my district,” Oberacker said. “The needs, the wants and the issues, believe it or not, are the same.” 

Marcelle discussed the impacts of bail reform and rising crime rates. Other candidates discussed rising inflation and how to keep businesses from leaving New York State. 

Ricciani has been a practicing attorney for around 27 years, working much of that time in family court. Ricciani says the cases that go before family court can be some of the toughest. She spoke about one of her former clients who struggled as a young adult before turning her life around. 

“That’s why I do this,” Ricciani said. “For those little stories when you know that you can make such a positive impact on young people.” 

Molinaro is running a close race against Democratic opponent Josh Riley.

Riley appeared in Hurleyville last week alongside former President Bill Clinton, but Molinaro was in Bethel on Saturday asking supporters to help him “end one-party rule in Washington.” 

“On November 8 we have an opportunity to send a powerful message,” Molinaro said. “On November 8, we the people are going to vote and take our government back.”

The event ended with Albee Bockman leading the crowd in the singing of “God Bless America.