Nominees

Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R), incumbent
Running for his fourth U.S. Senate term, D'Amato has a large campaign war chest to throw against a tough Democratic challenger, yet early on he won only lukewarm poll numbers. Early in the campaign, D'Amato launched campaign ads that shed a flattering light on his environmental record, and his critics slammed him for being untruthful. The senator started campaigning early, firing the first shots at 1984 Democratic vice presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro long before she declared her candidacy. D'Amato, chairman of the Senate's Whitewater investigation, can expect ethics controversies and the transfer of money from the National Republican Senatorial Committee to the reelection campaign of New York Gov. George Pataki (R) to resurface.
Campaign Web site
E-mail: damato98@damato.org

Rep. Charles E. Schumer (D)
Known for his ardent positions on a variety of issues, including immigration, farm subsidies, energy, auto theft and crime, Schumer was a key supporter of the Brady Bill, the assault rifle ban and other crime legislation. The congressman from the 9th District, Schumer considered a possible challenge to New York Gov. George Pataki (R) before deciding to run against D'Amato. Schumer also has a reputation for prolific fund-raising, which could only help his chances against D'Amato's deep pockets.
Campaign Web site
E-mail: webmaster@schumer1998.com

Primary Contenders

Geraldine Ferraro (D)
A co-host of CNN's "Crossfire" until she declared her candidacy in January, Ferraro was the 1984 Democratic vice presidential nominee, joining former Democratic vice president Walter Mondale on the ticket. Ferraro represented New York's 9th Congressional District for three terms, beginning in 1978. The Equal Rights Amendment and the Women's Economic Equality Act were among her major issues in Congress. She mounted a bid to challenge D'Amato in 1992, but lost the Democratic nomination to then-Attorney General Robert Abrams. A former school teacher, Ferraro served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission from 1994 to 1996.
Campaign Web site
E-mail: Info@Ferraroforsenate.org

Mark Green (D)
Next in line to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, New York City Public Advocate Mark Green deals with consumers' complaints and questions about government bureaucracy and ineffective agencies and programs. In his position, Green, the former city council president, can introduce legislation, presides over council meetings and works toward improving government efficiency. Green challenged D'Amato as the 1986 Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, and lost in the general election, 53-38 percent.
Campaign Web site
E-mail: mgreen@markgreen.org