Former Westchester Congressman Joseph DioGuardi says that his strong poll numbers in his candidacy for the Republican Senate nod are not surprising, even after having to petition to get himself on the ballot due to being shut out at the Republican convention.

DioGuardi, an Ossining resident, is up against former Bear Stearns economist David Malpass, and the Republican Party's own pick, former Long Island lawmaker Bruce Blakeman.

The winner of the primary will challenge U.S. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D - NY) in November.

Orange County political consultant Jay Townsend is running in a second primary for the right to challenge U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D - NY). He's facing off against Gary Berntsen, a retired CIA officer from Long Island and the official Republican Party candidate.