Jacobs and Bichotte Take Assembly Race to the Blog

Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs and District Leader Rodneyse Bichotte have been campaigning hard for the 42nd Assembly District's Sept. 13 Democratic primary, reaching out to potential voters through as many outlets as possible, including Patch's Local Voices section. 

Before heading to the polls Thursday, take a look at what both the Incumbent and her challenger have been writing:

A Fair Race?

In early August,  how Bichotte challenged the authenticity of opposing candidate Zachary Lareche's nominating petitions. Lareche withdrew his candidacy from the State Assembly after the challenge, which Bichotte said would create a fair race between she and Jacobs.

"One of the reasons Rhoda Jacobs has retained her seat for 34 years is due to the crowded field of two or more blacks or Caribbean candidates seeking to unseat the incumbent in the same year," Louis wrote. "From Michele Adolphe to Zachary Lareche who crowded the ballots, allowing Ms. Jacobs to win past elections with a landslide."

, noting Jacobs believes "that as long as candidates play by the rules and have our community's best interests at heart, no one should be excluded from the election process."

"Her re-election year after year after year is a result of her dedication to all she has had the privilege to represent - Caribbeans and Americans, home-owners and renters – NOT because of a crowded electoral field, as her opponent alleges," the blog post said. "In fact, in almost every recent election, Jacobs faced a single opponent and received a substantial majority of the vote."  

Bichotte Makes her Stance Known 

Bichotte then wrote a series of posts to detail her position on a wide array of issues, including  

She urged the Assembly and Senate to pass the legislation that would grant those eligible for citizenship the ability to receive work permits and other protections before the year is through. "... [O]ne of Bichotte's very first actions as an Assemblywoman will be to co-sponsor this legislation and join the large and diverse coalition of Assembly members who are pushing for it's passage," the post noted. 

Bichotte also advocated for the , saying "The Greener Pastures School Community Garden Project is a fantastic example of a community coming together to promote environmentally friendly urban beautification." 

Endorsements Abound As Candidates Draw Near to Election Day 

After writing about what she supports, Bichotte noted who supports her, including . "I am proud to announce our union's support of Rodneyse Bichotte," said TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen. "Rodneyse is an outstanding candidate who possesses progressive leadership skills, a wealth of experiences, and the balanced knowledge needed to serve our working-class communities in the State Legislature."

, saying "I am honored, privileged, and grateful to have the overwhelming support of my neighbors, friends and the families that make-up the finest neighborhoods in the greatest community I have ever known." 

She noted that she has been endorsed by organizations including the Working Families Party, the United Federation of Teachers, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and LAMDA. 

The Final Round

Drawing near to the election, "Friends of Bichotte" wrote to "." 

"Rhoda Jacobs has demonstrated a commitment to securing the office of Assemblywoman for a 35th year - if necessary, using unethical, and prohibited tactics," the post said. "At minimum, her campaign strategy lacks the level of integrity and competence required to represent this district."

, as "Friends of Rhoda Jacobs" wrote that throughout her time in office, the Assemblywoman "has always been a fierce advocate for her community" and detailing her voting record, including voting to increase minimum wage, to pass the DREAM Act and helping create the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program and Child Health Plus, the state’s main health insurance program for children.

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So, what do you think? Will Jacobs keep her seat in the Assembly, or will Bichotte be the next face of the 42nd District? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.