Libertarian candidate also in the running for NY-27
Duane Whitmer
An upcoming special election to fill a vacancy in New York’s 27th Congressional district includes a Libertarian Party candidate who runs an accounting business.
Duane Whitmer of Hamburg doesn’t like the numbers with the federal deficit or the big money in politics.
The Republican Party has backed State Sen. Chris Jacobs while the Democrats have endorsed Nate McMurray for Congress. The special election is expected to be on April 28.
The Libertarian Party, in endorsing Whitmer, said the “two-party system continues to fail us.” Whitmer said he will make an impact in the race, far more than the 2 percent vote expected for a third-party candidate.
Whitmer grew up in rural Franklinville and earned an accounting degree from Fredonia State College. He opened his own accounting business at age 25. He said he enjoys helping small business owners work through the government’s red tape.
He has been backed by the Orleans County Libertarian Party, which is led by chairwoman Chase Tkach, who ran for county legislator last year.
“We are very pleased to endorse Duane based on his standing as a small business owner and accountant who works directly with small business,” Tkach said. “His tax plan, his support of the second amendment, and his opposition to foreign wars and aid benefits many people in this county.”
Whitmer said he appreciates the support from the Libertarians in Orleans County. He received the party’s endorsement last week.
“I am pleased to receive the endorsement Orleans Libertarian Party County Committee,” Whitmer said. “We have demonstrated through our unity and focus in my candidacy for NY-27, we are a major party in this race. We are contrasting ourselves from the real third party, the Republican Party, which is still infighting, and failing to coalesce around a real candidate.”
