Otis Jennings Announces He's Still in the Race for Mayor (9/23/09)

Syracuse, N.Y. - Otis Jennings confirmed rumors that he is still actively pursuing the Syracuse Mayoral seat. On Monday, Jennings told reporters that he will be running on the Conservative Party line. He made his announcement at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Construction Training Center on Genant Street in Syracuse.

“I’m still on the ballot. I will be there until November.” Said Jennings who was surrounded by a crowd of training construction students.

When asked about losing the Republican nomination to Steve Kimatian, Jennings cited low voter turnouts and said he didn’t want to dwell on it.

“We could analyze this race to death, but we’re going to move on.” Jennings said.

“I’m reaching people with the message of what we need to do for this city. I love this city.”

Kimatian Expresses Doubt

Even though Jennings publicly said he was staying in the race, Steve Kimatian, the GOP Primary Winner last week, thinks Jennings left himself some wiggle room.

“I don’t know whether he’ll stay in the race even though he says he’s in the race right now. So I don’t know if the final word has ultimately been said on that because at different times he has said that he would like to see the final count of all the absentee ballots and things like that.” Said Kimatian at his campaign office on Tuesday.

At Monday's news conference, Jennings said that he was waiting to see the absentee ballot count this Friday. But he didn’t comment on whether he would drop out after seeing the results.

Would Jennings Really Drop Out?

Syracuse University Professor of Political Science, Jeffrey Stonecash, said it’s unlikely that Jennings will drop out of the race because of absentee ballot counts.

“That ballot counting doesn’t mean anything.” Stonecash said. “He’s decided he’s gonna run, unless he embarrasses himself.”

Stonecash was also puzzled about Jennings’ decision to keep running.

“I would assume that it would be anger, ego; he may be thinking this will be a stepping stone to something else.” Said Stonecash.

Looking Ahead

If Jennings does stay in the race, Stonecash said his chances of winning are slim.

“Close to zero…maybe one percent. He hasn’t got a chance.” Stonecash said.

In Stonecash’s opinion, Jennings will take votes from Kimatian, making it harder for Republicans to win in a largely Democratic city. But for now, Jennings said he is focused on his campaign and message.