NORWICH – Chenango County Democrats now have their own candidate in the race for county judge. Tuesday afternoon, longtime local attorney Diane DiStefano threw her hat in the ring, officially declaring her candidacy for Chenango County, Family and Surrogate Court Judge, a position that will open with the impending retirement of the Hon. Howard Sullivan.

“We are thrilled to have Diane represent the Democrats in this race and confident that she has the experience, qualifications and judicial temperament necessary for this position,” said local Democratic Party Chairman Patrick McNeil in making the announcement.

McNeil opened a rally for DiStefano in downtown Norwich’s East Side Park Tuesday afternoon, introducing first DiStefano’s longtime law partner Thomas Vitanza. Noting yesterday’s blustery temperatures, Vitanza commented, “The Republicans told us it would be a cold day in Hades before we ever got a Democrat elected to this position. This isn’t Hades, Diane, but I’d take this as a good sign.”

Vitanza went on to detail his association with DiStefano, and laud her qualifications for the position. Referring to veteran Judge Kevin Dowd, he said, “Diane will be another Kevin Dowd, I guarantee that.”