SLC Conservatives Back Rain In City Judge Race

By SUSAN MENDE

CANTON - Mary E. Rain has been endorsed by St. Lawrence County's Conservative Party in her bid for Ogdensburg City Court Judge.

Ms. Rain, a Republican, was selected over Marcia L. LeMay, the other candidate who sought the Conservative Party endorsement for the 10-year term.

Conservative Party Chairman Henry "Hank" R. Ford said his party's committee made its decision after interviewing both Ms. Rain and Mrs. LeMay, a Democrat.

"We felt she (Ms. Rain) had more qualifications and more experience," Mr. Ford said Wednesday.

"She's been through every step of criminal law."

The other candidates seeking the Ogdensburg City Court judge's seat are William R. Small, an Ogdensburg Republican and James L. Monroe, a registered Democrat running on the Independent line.

Mr. Monroe resides in Canton.

City court judges receive $108,800 a year, with the salaries paid through the New York State Unified Court System.

The range of Ms. Rain's experience in law enforcement and legal work made her the committee's unanimous choice, Mr. Ford said.

Ms. Rain, Potsdam, is currently employed as St. Lawrence County Public Defender. Mrs. LeMay, Ogdensburg, is a private practice attorney with the firm of Nash, Palm & LeMay, Canton.

Mr. Small, Ogdensburg, and Ms. Rain will face off in the Sept. 14 Republican primary that precedes the Nov. 2 general election.

Both those candidates will also appear on the Independent line in the general election.

The winner of November's four-way race will replace City Court Judge George E. Silver who is retiring.