By: Fern Sidman
The increasingly contentious Republican primary contest in New York’s 21st Congressional District intensified this week as congressional candidate Anthony Constantino leveled a series of allegations against rival Assemblyman Robert Smullen, while supporters of Constantino circulated claims questioning the legitimacy and operations of an online publication that has published content critical of the businessman and congressional hopeful.
The latest developments underscore the growing acrimony surrounding one of the most closely watched Republican primary races in upstate New York, where personal attacks, accusations of misinformation, and disputes over media coverage have become central features of the campaign.
In a strongly worded public statement, Constantino accused Smullen of misleading voters and engaging in conduct that he characterized as incompatible with public service.
“I have never met a more cowardly and evil politician than Bob Smullen,” Constantino said. “He is now hiding behind an ‘80-year-old woman’ to excuse his disastrous debate performance.”
Constantino further alleged that the individual referenced by Smullen was not simply an ordinary voter but rather a local political figure whom he described as a county party leader involved in disseminating negative claims about his business interests.
“Of course, he’s lying again as the ‘old woman’ is actually a party chair who was attacking my company by spreading Smullen’s lies,” Constantino stated. “I told her to stop.”
The congressional candidate framed the dispute as part of a broader struggle between private-sector economic development and what he characterized as entrenched political interests.
“I will always defend my company and the many other companies in the North Country from corrupt politicians,” Constantino said. “We need more companies, more jobs and fewer dishonest politicians in the North Country.”
The remarks come only days after a highly publicized debate between the two Republican contenders, an event that generated considerable discussion throughout the district and was marked by sharp policy disagreements and personal criticism.
Beyond the dispute over the debate, a new controversy emerged involving an online publication identified by some Constantino supporters as the Amsterdam Chronicle.
A social media post circulating among supporters questioned the publication’s organizational structure, staffing claims, and editorial practices. The post alleged that the outlet maintained an unusually large staff despite reportedly lacking traditional advertising revenue.
The social media commentary specifically questioned how a publication could employ what it described as a staff of approximately 60 individuals, including a purported White House correspondent, without conventional revenue sources commonly associated with news organizations.
The post further asserted that a substantial portion of the publication’s recent content had focused on criticism of Constantino and suggested that the outlet was functioning primarily as a vehicle for political attacks.
According to the social media post, “Many red flags are raised,” alleging that “10 of its last 12 posts” were directed at criticizing Constantino.
The same commentary raised questions regarding the backgrounds of individuals identified as members of the publication’s editorial team, claiming that some personnel did not appear to have readily accessible professional histories.
Additional claims circulated by Constantino supporters alleged that some content published by the outlet may have relied heavily on syndicated material or artificial intelligence-generated text.
Constantino supporters have also suggested that any coordination between a media outlet and a political campaign would warrant scrutiny under campaign finance regulations if such coordination were proven to exist. However, no governmental agency has announced any investigation, and no formal findings have been issued regarding the allegations.
The dispute highlights a broader trend in modern political campaigns, where questions surrounding digital media platforms, online publications, social media influence, and campaign communications increasingly play a significant role in shaping public narratives.
Political observers note that accusations involving so-called “shadow media” operations have become more common in recent election cycles as candidates seek to challenge unfavorable coverage while supporters scrutinize the origins and funding of online content.
The controversy also reflects the heightened stakes surrounding the NY-21 race.
Constantino, founder and chief executive officer of Sticker Mule, entered the congressional contest as a political outsider with a substantial business background. His campaign has emphasized entrepreneurship, manufacturing, private-sector job creation, and economic growth throughout the North Country. He was also endorsed by President Trump and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Supporters of Constantino argue that his experience building a business and employing workers provides a unique perspective on economic development and workforce expansion.
As primary day approaches, both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their contrasting visions for the district.
For now, the latest exchange has added another layer of intensity to a race already characterized by sharp rhetoric and escalating political tensions.
Whether the allegations regarding campaign conduct, media coverage, and online publications gain further traction remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the battle for New York’s 21st Congressional District has entered an increasingly combative phase, and Anthony Constantino is not one to back down in the face of adversity.
