By: State of Politics

Martin Babinec, the central New York businessman who is launching an independent bid for Congress in the 22nd district, announced Tuesday he had started a petition drive to create a new ballot line, the Upstate Jobs Party.

The party line will bolster Babinec’s spot on the ballot in November.

“If you care about jobs for our families, for our children, for our future we are asking you to come forward, volunteer and join our cause,” Babinec said in a statement.

“The Upstate Jobs Party is about more than just my candidacy, it’s about creating a sustainable political alternative to a two party system dominated by crony capitalism and special interests that has over and over again failed to deliver jobs for our region. If we are successful in bringing volunteers and attention to this line I plan to support its expansion going forward.”

The petitioning process for the line ends Aug. 2. Babinec is required to get at least 3,500 signatures from registered voters of any party or those not registered in the party. Those signing the petition must live in the district and have not signed another petition this election cycle.

The central New York district is being vacated this year by Republican Rep. Richard Hanna.