ONEONTA _ Retired college presidents Alan Donovan and Richard Miller have signed on as co-chairmen for the re-election campaign of state Sen. James L. Seward. R-Milford.
Donovan stepped down last week as the president of the State University College at Oneonta, and Miller retired from Hartwick College last month.
"I am honored and humbled that Alan Donovan and Dick Miller would agree to co-chair my re-election effort," Seward said during a media conference at his district office on Dietz Street. "I know firsthand of their outstanding abilities."
Seward is being challenged in the 51st Senate District by Caroline Town Supervisor Donald Barber. Both men filed nominating petitions last week. Seward is running on the Republican, Independence and Conservative party lines, while Barber will appear on the ballot on the Democratic and Working Family party lines.
Donovan and Miller will assist in fundraising and other aspects of the campaign, Seward said.
"I know firsthand of their outstanding abilities," Seward said. "Their support and their assistance will be invaluable."
The 51st District has seven colleges and universities.
"Higher education is a big business and vitally important in the 51st senatorial district," Seward said.
Seward noted that Donovan and Miller are not registered with a political party.
The ex-presidents flanked Seward as he made his announcement and took the podium in turn.
"My support of Jim and my willingness to do this was not a tough decision. It took me about five minutes," Miller said.
Miller referred to the precarious position of the GOP in terms of Senate seats _ the party holds a 32-30 majority. But he said the important thing for the 51st District is not so much keeping the Republicans in control as it is sending an experienced legislator to Albany.
Donovan said Seward has always pulled through for the Oneonta colleges.
"I look forward to working with Jim," Donovan said.
Seward has $490,559 on hand for the campaign and has spent $67,983 this year, according to state Board of Elections campaign financing data.
Barber has $120,136 in his campaign fund and has spent $77,742 this year, the data indicates.
"I really don't have much to say about the changes my opponent has made to his campaign team," Barber said Wednesday night.
But he said his campaign is going well and is focusing on grass-roots organizing and fundraising.
Barber, a farmer and small-business owner in Tompkins County, said that though economic times are tough, 1,650 donors have contributed to his campaign.
The 51st District includes all or parts of Otsego, Chenango, Cortland, Greene, Tompkins, Herkimer and Schoharie counties.
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