AUBURN - Dr. David Walrath, who is campaigning for the Republican ballot line for the 24th Congressional District against 10-term Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, was endorsed by David B. Vickers Friday.

Vickers lost in his bid two years ago for the Republican line against Boehlert in the 23rd District. The districts were redrawn this year by the state legislature, as is done every 10 years with the new census figures.

A Spanish teacher in Hamilton, Vickers made the race against Boehlert a close one, winning 44 percent of the vote. Boehlert won 15,269 to 11,382 over Vickers.

"Although Boehlert claims to be a Republican every time there is an election, the careful observer knows that he votes with the liberals in Congress up to 71 percent of the time," Vickers said

Supporters of Walrath often point to the Vickers campaign, which spent just $10,000, as an indication that the incumbent Boehlert is vulnerable in a primary election.

Walrath said that Vickers was successful because of his ability to communicate with a coalition of Republican voters that are dissatisfied with Boehlert's position on key issues, which Walrath said run "contrary to Republican Party principles."

"I am honored and excited by Mr. Vickers' endorsement of my candidacy," Walrath said. "He proved in his issue-oriented campaign, examining the Boehlert record and performance, that the incumbent is out of step with most of the good people of the 23rd District."

"With David's strong showing two years ago, I believe we can get our message to the majority of Republican voters in the 24th that who really want change."