The Democratic candidate in the tight race for the 100th Assembly District is already claiming victory, though the seven-term Republican incumbent is not yet ready to concede defeat.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Assemblyman Tom Kirwan (R) is trailing opponent Frank Skartados (D) by more than 500 votes. Kirwan, however, says it is too early to call the election because there are still 3,000 absentee ballots yet to be counted.

Kirwan says he knows a victory is a long shot, but he may still have a chance to stay in the political game in a different role.

?I hope that he can be a positive force working with me,? Skartados says, referring to his GOP opponent. ?He understands Albany, he understands the district, and I think we can work together in making it better.?

Kirwan says if he does indeed lose his title as assemblyman in the 100th district, which includes Newburgh and parts of Dutchess and Ulster counties, he would be willing to sit down with Skartados.

Whatever the final tally, Kirwan says he will accept the voters? decision.

?They gave me 14 years, which I'm grateful for,? the assemblyman says. ?So if they decided that I'm no longer their guy, I respect their wishes, and I'm still grateful for all the support they gave me.?