Utica, NY (WIBX) - The race for the 116th State Assembly seat is heating up, with the circulation of an email that refers to Democrat Anthony Brindisi's family law practice as a "shady mob connected law firm". That email, sent out by former Gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, goes on to suggest that Brindisi "will use his family's vast resources" to distort Greg Johnson's record and name.

Johnson, a Republican, had no idea what Paladino was going to write, saying he was surprised when he read it for himself. "I saw Mr. Brindisi at a parade in New York Mills on Saturday and we spoke about it and he said that he wanted to run a clean campaign, I do too, I'm all for that. I told him that I had no idea what Carl Paladino was going to do", adding "They do what they do, and I have absolutely no control over that whatsoever". 

Oneida County Democratic Chair, Bill Barry says this type of negative campaigning never works. "I don't think this will do Mr. Brindisi any great harm, but I'm surprised. I hope Mr. Johnson doesn't go along with that type of campaign because it doesn't help anybody".

 The date for this special election will be Primary day, Tuesday September 13th.

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