This race is also about who has the better coattails in that part of the state-- Hillary Clinton or Rudy Guiliani. Since Hillary vs. Rudy could be next year's general election presidential race, it is important for each of them to try and prove they have a strong base. Hence Rudy Guiliani has actively campaigned for Maureen O'Connell and Hillary Clinton for Craig Johnson.

If Rudy Guiliani can't deliver for a republican candidate in a republican district in a republican part of his own state, then you question whether he even has a real base. If Hillary can deliver for a democrat in a republican district/part of the state, it is a sign that she can carry these same areas in the general, even if the opponent is Guiliani. I am sure Team Hillary will be celebrating tonight if Johnson wins