GREENE – Dozens of supporters turned out for a campaign fundraiser for District Attorney Joseph McBride at the Silo Restaurant in Greene on Thursday.

McBride, who has served the position of Chenango County DA for 16 years, filed more than 2,300 petition signatures from Chenango County Republicans and Conservatives this week, ensuring his place on the ballot for the Sept. 10 Republican primary vote.

Being challenged for the first time in his public career by 30-year-old Assistant Public Defender Zachary Wentworth (R), McBride used Thursday’s event to speak a clear message: “There is no substitute for experience.”

“These are serious times that call for a serious and experienced leader,” said McBride, citing his 30-year career which includes 16 years as District Attorney. In that time, McBride touts a record of prosecuting more than 1,600 felony cases and trying more than 60 grand trials (including all Chenango County homicide cases over the last 16 years).