NORWICH – With just over two weeks to go until the mid-term elections, several campaign trails converged on the St. Bart’s Spaghetti Supper fundraiser Thursday night, making sure of one final push in Chenango County.

Those awaiting a hefty plate of homemade pasta and meatballs out in front of the Festa Parish Center were met with an impromptu receiving line of candidates – some familiar and some new – hoping to gain or retain seats at all levels of government.

Retiring 24th District U.S. Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford) said he’s currently on a farewell tour through the district he represented for 24 years, and this is most likely his last stop in Norwich. “I’m not going to get out the rocking chair, but I am retiring,” he said, adding that he’s not looking too far ahead until the end of the year.

Besides discussing his future plans, Boehlert gave his thoughts on New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s proposed power line, and the possible involvement Washington could have in deciding the issue. “NYRI’s proposed route has got about as much chance as a snowball in hell,” Boehlert said. “I’m certain Washington and the Department of Energy would not approve a plan that has not looked at realistic options.”