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Townsend: I Want To Give NYers A Choice

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Republican Jay Townsend shrugs off the vast money gap between him and Sen. Charles Schumer and the polls showing the two-term Democrat ahead by dozens of points in his re-election bid.

The Hudson Valley political consultant says he entered the race to give New Yorkers a choice.

With Schumer widely considered a shoo-in, one of Townsend's toughest tasks as a little-known candidate is getting noticed. Townsend is the only major-party candidate for Senate in New York who has not purchased TV ad time -- almost a necessity to become known in this sprawling state.

Schumer is one of the most high-profile politicians in New York. He wields considerable influence as the No. 3 Democrat in the Senate and has helped shape major legislation like the health care overhaul.

(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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