Candidates differ on their goals for seat

Change has been the magic word during this year's presidential campaign, but three local U.S. Congressional candidates also have promised to bring new ideas to the House of Representatives if they are elected.

The candidates, Dan Maffei (D), Dale Sweetland (R and Conservative) and Howie Hawkins (Green Populist), all say they are the candidate who could best serve the 25th U.S. Congressional District, which includes Skaneateles and the northern part of Cayuga County. The winner will replace the retiring Jim Walsh (R), who has served in the House for 20 years.

As a third-party candidate, Hawkins said he was realistic about winning, but believes if enough residents vote for him, that could make the winner change his policies to better represent the people who did not vote for him.