Conservative primary in 97th Assembly District draws scrutiny
Rob Bonomolo and Abraham Klein face off in the Conservative Party primary as questions emerge about a candidate's motives and designating petition.
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Early voting is underway ahead of next Tuesday’s primary, including a closely watched Conservative Party contest in New York’s 97th Assembly District. The race features Pearl River resident Rob Bonomolo and Spring Valley resident Abraham Klein.
Bonomolo, who already holds the Republican ballot line for November and has been endorsed by Rockland's Conservative Party, said he wants to bring attention to working families.
"Albany talks an awful lot about working men and women. It's about time they finally hear from one," he said.
He added that he is learning about the challenges of campaigning, saying, "It's the games that I'm learning that people play. And you just gotta deal with it and move on. I got my eye on the prize."
If elected, Bonomolo, president of a construction union, says he would focus on affordability, public safety, and infrastructure.
Klein is also seeking the Conservative Party nomination. In a statement, he said he is running because "a fresh face means a fresh look to the district and a start to new beginnings." Klein says that if elected, he would prioritize securing grants and expanding affordable housing. He currently sits on the Village of Spring Valley planning board.
Klein did not comment on why staff members for the current Democratic Incumbent Assemblyman Aron Wieder were listed on his designating petition.
Jerusalem Ramirez, a constituent liaison for Wieder, declined to comment when asked about Klein's petition during a phone call Monday morning.
Some Rockland County residents contacted News 12, expressing concern that the Conservative primary could be used to split votes in November, with Klein appearing as a third-party candidate.
In a statement, the Rockland County Conservative Party said it has endorsed and is committed to fully supporting Bonomolo’s campaign. The party added, "Based on information available to us, we share concerns about the circumstances and believe Conservative voters deserve transparency and honesty throughout the electoral process."
News 12 has reached out to Wieder for comment and has not heard back.
