Go handBILLS!

We’re not taking sides in the race for Erie County District Attorney—not at all. For one thing, it’s too early to pick a favorite, with the Democratic primary still two months away; for another, there are a number of good candidates vying to replace the departing Frank Clark.

However, we are keeping track of the nascent campaigns, and we noted this: A handbill for candidate Diane LaVallee is fronted by a photo of a competent-looking LaVallee, arms folded, on a red, white, and blue background. Listed on the back are LaVallee’s bona fides: an “experienced, respected Assistant District Attorney and New York State Assistant Attorney General”; “25 years of both courtroom and administrative experience”; “only candidate who has participated in the prosecution of a dozen death penalty cases across New York State”; an impressive list of awards received, positions held, and so on.

The message: A vote for LaVallee is a vote for experience and accomplishment.

Meanwhile, candidate Frank A. Sedita III—whose famous name earned him the lead role in Bob McCarthy’s June 30 Buffalo News article on local political dynasties—has issued a handbill that looks similar on its face: the competent-looking portrait, the exhortation to vote Sedita on September 9, etc.

On the back? The 2008-2009 Buffalo Bills schedule.

The message: Vote Sedita and Marshawn Lynch goes free.

—geoff kelly