Arcuri top legislator of the year?

Rep. Michael Arcuri, whose 24th NY congressional district covers Old Forge and a big chunk of the western Adirondacks, faced a tougher-than-expected challenge in 2008.

He was very nearly a rare Democratic casualty, winning by fewer than 10,000 votes. (Okay, I know — after the Murphy-Tedisco bout, 10k sounds like a big pile of votes…)

The conservative National Review is hoping that Richard Hanna will go another round.

Arcuri’s fundraising is lagging so far. There’s some hopes that Hanna is interested in another run.

According to the Utica O-D, Arcuri’s $$-raising ranks near the bottom of the list for Dems nationwide.

During a phone interview Thursday, Arcuri wouldn’t respond directly to questions about his fundraising. He said he has been spending much time visiting with residents in the district, and they want him to focus on accomplishing goals related to issues such as the economy.

“My constituents don’t want to hear me talk about politics, and I’m going to respect that,” Arcuri said. “My numbers are what my numbers are.”

Republicans keep hoping for a highwater-mark signal, a sign that the 2006-2008 Democratic surge may be cresting.

Arcuri doesn’t want to be that sign.

Today, his office released an announcement that Rep. Arcuri has been named “legislator of the year by national association.”

Who awarded him that honor? The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

“I’m honored to be recognized for my efforts to protect our seniors from deadly fires,” Arcuri said. “It is absolutely critical that the facilities that house our seniors are equipped with professionally installed fire prevention and detection systems – they deserve nothing less.”