SYRACUSE -- A local candidate is getting some big name support Monday.
Former President Bill Clinton is coming to Syracuse to campaign for Congressman Dan Maffei. President Clinton will be the headliner at a rally for Maffei Monday night at the State Police hangar at Hancock International Airport. The doors open to the public at 7:30 pm.
Maffei is running against Republican Ann Marie Buerkle in the 25th Congressional District. Buerkle has also gotten some big name support of her own. She was endorsed by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin a few months ago. Monday morning, Bierkle's campaign released a statement in response to Clinton's support of Maffei, saying:
"Clinton's presence in this campaign is a sure sign that the incumbent is unnerved by the growing voice of the voters who are calling for change by supporting my candidacy. This is not a rally for Maffei. It is a reminder to the voters of this District that when a Democratic administration is checked by a Republican Congress the outcome for the people can be very positive."
Clinton will also be campaigning in Binghamton on Monday for Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who represents the state's 22nd district. Hinchey is seeking his tenth term and is not considered vulnerable.
Democrats currently hold all but two of New York's 29 House seats. Republicans hope to pick up as many as eight seats in November.
Clinton is no stranger to New York politics. His wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, represented New York in the Senate for seven years.