New York set for 2nd of three primaries in 2012

New York has had the presidential primary. Now, today's congressional primary, and a primary for local and statewide candidates in September, and the general election in November...

Tuesday's congressional primary targets contested races for the U.S. House of Representatives races in newly drawn districts, including the new 27th district where Congresswoman Kathy Hochul is the incumbent. 

The other main congressional race on the local ballot for the GOP is choosing an opponent for New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Erie County legislator Edward Rath says today's primary is being held earlier to assist with the absentee ballot process.

"Such as absentee ballot access and all people who are overseas ... having the ability to participate in the primary," Rath says.

The date complies with a law requiring military voters overseas to get their ballots 45 days before a general election.

Despite that, Rath doesn't think a June primary is good for voter awareness, and also feels it creates "a fiscal hardship on the communities and the counties that have to pay for these county elections."