By LINDA KELLETT

C-S-E News Staff

FORT PLAIN — An enthusiastic band of supporters gathered on the front porch of the Prospect Hill residence of the Quackenbush family on a recent Saturday morning, awaiting news about the status of the Minden town supervisor’s campaign for the 111th state Assembly seat and guidance about the crucial next steps.

Updating them on the campaign’s initial fundraising goals, Thomas Quackenbush said about $35,000 has been taken in so far. While more is needed, “we’re getting there,” he said.

Additionally, in reference to “Phase II” of his campaign, Quackenbush said he initially lacked an adequate number of signatures on nominating petitions.

In a matter of two weeks, however, “we turned in 2,000 signatures, with Republican, Conservative and Independence lines,” he said.

The district, which is sought by Quackenbush and his Democratic rival, Angelo Santabarbara, encompasses Montgomery County and parts of Albany and Schenectady counties.

As noted on the state Board of Elections website, www.elections.ny.gov, candidates seeking Republican or Democratic Party designations on the election ballot for that district needed to gather a total of 500 signatures. Those seeking the Conservative Party line needed to gather 133 signatures; the Working Families line, 26; the Independence Party line, 194; and the Green Party, six.

The filing deadline was July 12.

Santabarbara, a Schenectady County legislator, was pursuing the same agenda in recent weeks, as the contest for the realigned Assembly District has gradually been picking up steam.

Contacted Tuesday, Santabarbara said his supporters reported back with over 2,000 signatures on the Democratic Party line. Additionally, he said his fundraisers and events have been well attended.

The candidates’ financial disclosure reports, filed with the state Board of Elections by the July 16 deadline, show that the Friends of Thomas L. Quackenbush have raised $34,867. That amount, offset by $10,490 in expenses, leaves a current balance of $24,376.

Santabarbara’s campaign, which is supported by Congressman Paul Tonko, D, of Amsterdam, is lagging slightly.

According to the financial disclosure statement, Santabarbara so far has taken in $31,167. With $30,027 in expenses, his current balance is $1,618.

Both Quackenbush and Santabarbara are beating the pavement, going door-to-door in their respective opponent’s stronghold.

Quackenbush has been making the rounds of Rotterdam voters, while Santabarbara said he and Tonko were present at Nelliston Days and Canal Days events at Fort Hunter.

Both candidates are planning upcoming Meet-and-Greet and fundraising events.