Frascanio Changes Mind, Backs Kalamaza Over Reedsworth

CNS senator switches endorsement in senate race

WILMINGTON, TRINTON--Conservative senator Kelsey Frascanio has caused a stir in Trinton's Senate race, after switching her support in the CNS primary.

Last August, Frascanio privately pledged her support to Rep. George Reedsworth for the CNS nomination to challenge incumbent Grace Kemp (NAT). Kemp is seeking a fourth term in the Senate, while Reedsworth has represented Trinton's 7th Congressional District in the central part of the state for six terms.

Back in August, the strongly-conservative Frascanio, who narrowly defeated Reedsworth in a Senate primary earlier in 2009, acknowledged her policy differences with the much more moderate Reedsworth, but told party leaders she would overlook those differences and support her former foe anyway.

But despite the urging of Frascanio and other party leaders, Reedsworth never declared his candidacy, and has yet to do so. In the meantime, ultra-conservative state senator Randy Kalamaza of Vristo Colonado announced in October he would seek the CNS nomination to challenge Kemp. Kalamaza is known for his staunch conservative views and his often-partisan nature. During their time together in the state legislature, Frascanio and Kalamaza were close allies, frequently co-sponsoring legislation.

Rumors Frascanio would back Kalamaza over Reedsworth, despite earlier promises, have been circulating for months. But the freshman senator, who is also Trinton's first female senator, ended all speculation Friday when she announced she is backing Kalamaza for the Senate.

"Randy has the leadership, the strength, and the capability to run for the Senate and take on the liberal lions that stand in the way of real change," Frascanio said in a prepared statement. "He will be a passionate fighter for conservative values in the Senate, and will be a close ally of the conservative movement."

Frascanio did not address her previous support for Reedsworth during the Friday press conference. However, when asked about the matter Saturday afternoon by reporters, she defended her decision.

"The party has to coalesce around a candidate. We have to be united. We can't afford to wait for prospective candidates to make a decision."

When asked specifically about Congressman Reedsworth, Frascanio responded, "as far as I know, George Reedsworth has not announced his candidacy. Officially, he is not running for the Senate in the state of Trinton."

Technically, Frascanio is correct. Reedsworth has not declared candidacy as of yet. However, the congressman has not ruled out a bid, close friends say.

"Officially, he is not running, and this is kind of a stab in the back to George, because he was told several months ago she would support him and now she's playing politics with endorsements," one friend, who asked not to be identified, told GNN.

Frascanio's office says the senator's endorsement decision was "nothing personal."

"Senator Frascanio believes in doing the best thing for Trinton, and she believes that Randy Kalamaza is the best choice to represent our state," spokeswoman Mary Albertson told the GBC.

Reedsworth's office declined to say when the congressman will decide on a potential Senate bid. A spokesperson would only say the congressman will make an announcement Monday, but would not elaborate as to the nature of that announcement.

Trinton's other Conservative senator, Greg Baxter, would not comment on the CNS feud in his home state. A spokesman said an endorsement for any candidate from Baxter is unlikely.