EAST FISHKILL - Today, with a record of achievement for distinguished public service, former Assemblyman Pat Manning announced his candidacy for the upcoming Special Election and subsequent General Election for his Assembly District, a seat that he held for 12 years. He also announced his team to kick-off the 2012 campaign.

Assemblyman Manning resides in his lifelong home of the Town of East Fishkill. He is married to wife Christine and has three children - Harrison, Alexandra, and Logan. He is a fundraising consultant to not-for-profits and municipalities as Director of Manning, Inc. He is also a shepherd at his farm, the Hudson Valley Fiber Farm, raising Cormo sheep and Angora goats. Having graduated from Vassar College and Marist College with a Masters in Public Administration, Manning also teaches at the Marist College School of Management.

Assemblyman Manning is credited for spearheading many projects during the last 20 years, including the building of Dutchess Stadium, luring of the Hudson Valley Renegades to the area, the creation of the regional 100 Miles of Hope breast cancer walk and fund, the re-opening of the historic Beacon Theatre, funding of the first LEED Platinum-rated single family affordable housing in the country, co-founding Hudson Valley Fresh, the fastest growing agricultural non-profit in the country, and was the co-author of what became the STaR Program, the largest tax decrease in the State of New York's history.

"Team Manning" will consist of Dutchess County Comptroller Jim Coughlan and former Dutchess County Legislative Chairman Douglas A. McHoul. Assemblyman Manning will be also be assisted by Wappinger Town Councilman Vincent Bettina, Town of East Fishkill Councilman Nick D'Alessandro, Beekman Republican Chairwoman Faye Garito, Dutchess County Legislator Marge Horton, Wappinger Republican Chairman Michael Leonard, Fishkill Town Chairman Felix Lopez, and Town of East Fishkill Committeewoman Bonnie McHoul Wiegard.

Also introduced as Campaign Manager is Marko Guzijan. Guzijan recently ran the successful mayoral campaign of Randy Casale in Beacon. 

With the election of Marc Molinaro as Dutchess County Executive a special election will need to be called to fill the second year of Molinaro’s two-year term.  An unusual six-week election will mean that knowledge of the District and name recognition are key to a successful campaign. Assemblyman Manning feels he has both skills to offer in the race.

"I have congratulated County Executive Marcus Molinaro on his victory, and I would be nothing but honored to continue where I left off, working hard for the people of New York, said Manning. During the years that I served as Assemblyman and as a private citizen, I have seen first-hand what our small businesses need from New York State to be successful, competitive, and to create jobs. Public Service has always stayed close to my heart even during my time in the private sector, and I look forward to seeing old friends as well as meeting new residents in the district.

"I have been contacted by several people suggesting I regain my seat and I have spent the last few weeks reaching out to the committees within the district gaining substantial support. As I continue to meet committee-people throughout the district, my team is preparing for whatever timeline we are presented with."

Comptroller Coughlan echoed the attributes of Assemblyman Manning.

“Pat is a great candidate to represent the 103rd district, stated Comptroller Coughlan. I am pleased to endorse Assemblyman Manning as he not only has vast experience in Albany, but he has also been attune to town and County needs for years. He has been instrumental in assisting the renaissance in Beacon and he holds himself out as facilitator for businesses and entrepreneurs around Dutchess. He will again be a great Assemblyman for the district, as he has passion, a sense of purpose, a great work ethic, and concern for his constituents.” 

Manning For Assembly will be setting up a campaign office and begin their fundraising campaign this week.

Manning's Assembly District is comprised of the Dutchess County towns of East Fishkill, Beekman, Pleasant Valley, Dover, Amenia, Stanford, Washington, Union Vale, North East, Pine Plains, Milan, and Red Hook, and portions of Columbia County.