The 1998 U.S. Senate race in New York is one of the most heated and competitive political battles in the country. New York has traditionally been a place where only the strong willed, and tough at heart could compete; a place where crafty tactics, extensive connections, and stocks of cash are essential aspects of political competition. This year's combat field of a campaign has been no exception. The two primary candidates, 60 year old, incumbent, republican, Alfonse D'Amato, and 47 year old, democratic challenger, Charles E. Schumer, have been pitted against each other, head to head, for much of the campaign. Both candidates have strong backgrounds and powerful messages while also pursuing rather abrasive, aggressive, and, in some instances, vindictive strategies. Most current polls have the two contestants neck and neck, with Schumer gaining a slight advantage in recent days. The fact of the matter is that D'Amato is a strong politician that knows how to get things done; however, he also flaunts a capricious, and impulsive style. With Al D'Amato, "what you see is what you get, and what you get is often vital, sometimes us

Unfortunately, particular strategies and tactics pursued by the respective candidates during the election has clouded much of their positive attributes. Both candidates certainly contributed their fair share of negative 30 second Ad bits. D'Amato, however, is the king of the negative ad. His attack on Schumer, one of the hardest-working and most conscientious members of Congress, for missing votes is outrageous and grossly distorted. This is how D'Amato has always run his campaigns though, by knocking down the other guy; and, indeed, this is where the reality of modern American politics seems to be heading, for good or for worse. The record certainly shows that D'Amato is one of the most enthusiastic practitioners of this "black art" and that anyone running against him would have no choice but to attempt to "respond in kind or be buried in an avalanche of mud."20 So, indeed, Schumer has replied, airing his own attacks; questioning D'Amato's truthfulness and his ethics. Both candidates also have attempted to capitalize on each and everyone of their opponents misspoken words, gravely distorting the importance and the underlying reasons of the statements. It has simply become an absurd circus of "look what he said about this and about that." This negative sentiment was not solely pursued through television ad's mind you, the two candidates would take every opportunity to bash their opponent: at press conferences, interviews, and the like. The unfortunate result, is that these candidates spent far more money attacking each other, than promoting there own positive images. This strategy has made the campaign one of the most expensive and distasteful campaigns in American history.

Yet another strategy implemented by both candidates, and by most candidates across the nation for that matter, is publicly getting support for their election from other prominent politicians. In the last weeks of the campaign, both Schumer and D'Amato have made a blitz of public appearances with variety of politicians. Schumer could have been seen with President Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Vice President Gore, Senator Moynehan, as well as an assortment of local political leaders. D'Amato got the support of Governor Pataki, Orthodox Jewish leaders, Mayor Giuliani, and a variety of local leaders. This particular strategy has, in the past, proven to be quite effective if the proper mix of supporters is chosen.

On another strategy front, D'Amato has consistently been able to win a large chunk of the Jewish vote in the past; and indeed this has been crucial to his victories. During this election cycle, he has focused a great deal of time and effort on maintaining this advantage. He even went as far as saying "he will beat Schumer in his own backyard."21 Possibly the strongest argument for D'Amato's candidacy however, is that in a Republican-controlled Senate he will be an inside force fighting for the interests of New York and the region. It is an argument that cannot be easily dismissed; and it's an argument D'Amato has been pounding home recently.

Though, after in depth analysis, it become clear that New York is likely in store for its first new Senator in D'Amato's spot in 18 years. D'Amato does have an impressive record of not only getting things done, but getting things done for New York. However, he does also have staunch conservative views on a variety of issues which seem to clearly place him out of synch with his constituents. Furthermore, his historic, instinctive, and improper out bursts have embarrassed New Yorkers enough. Chuck Schumer is the more youthful,

Some common words found in the essay are:
York City, Urban Affairs14, York Schumer, Charles Schumer, Schumer D'Amato, House Democrats', Al D'Amato, Apple D'Amato, Roman Catholic, Senate Unfortunately, york city, schumer d'amato, voter pop, charles schumer, gun control, indeed schumer, people york, d'amato consistently, impulsive style, differences unfortunately,
Approximate Word count = 2423
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)