NEWS FROM THE COLONIE REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2010

Contact: Jennifer Whalen 339-4238
John Graziano, Jr. 577-1710

COLONIE GOP: JENNIFER WHALEN OUR CHOICE FOR ASSEMBLY

Last night, the Colonie Republican Committee unanimously endorsed Jennifer Whalen (R –
Loudonville) as their candidate for the New York State Assembly - 109th Assembly District.
The Committee cited Jennifer’s distinguished record of public service and her experience
tackling corruption in government as the basis for their endorsement.
For seven and a half years, Jennifer served as Assistant Counsel for the New York State
Racing and Wagering Board where she prosecuted cases in the thoroughbred and harness
racing industries. Jennifer also served for two years as an Assistant Attorney General for the
New York State Department of Law, where she helped recover taxpayer funds stolen from
innocent victims by dishonest attorneys. She also served as a prosecutor in cases that sought
to recover funds from doctors who over-billed Medicaid.
“Jennifer’s public service record as a fighter for taxpayers and her success as a local
businesswoman, make her best-suited to represent the interests of Colonie. She cares about
our town, our district and our state,” said John Graziano Jr, Chairman, Colonie Republican
Committee. “Jennifer has been passionate in her community activities, all of which will help
her to best represent us. She will bring all of those skills to the race and, more importantly, to
the Assembly.”
“Jennifer Whalen is best prepared to make a successful run”, said Elizabeth DelTorto,
member of the Candidate Selection Committee. “Jennifer displayed a very good knowledge
of the issues and a detailed plan to make changes in the NYS Assembly which will better
serve the residents of Colonie, Clifton Park and Halfmoon. In addition, she has been
successful in raising money and has made concrete steps toward a solid campaign
organization.”
“As a resident in this town and a local business owner, I understand the issues confronting
our community. I have invested a lot of time and effort into this town and I want my children
to continue to live here when they become adults. As such, I am proud to have received the
endorsement of the Colonie GOP and will leverage my experience as an Assistant Attorney
General and businesswomen in making the types of decisions in the Assembly that will help
continue to make Colonie, Clifton Park, Halfmoon and the entire Capital Region a great
place to live,” said Jennifer Whalen.
Jennifer has been living in the Town of Colonie for 20 years with her husband Matthew Ben
and their two boys Leland, age 10, and Reade, age 9. She owns the Whalen Group, a real
estate company, located in Colonie. Jennifer received her law degree from Albany Law
School and Bachelor’s Degree from Georgetown University.

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