Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa, has a “pattern of failing the North Country economy and driving away jobs,” according to Republican John Byrne of Cape Vincent, who is challenging Russell for her 116th District seat.

The 116th “River District” includes all towns along the St. Lawrence River plus the St. Lawrence County towns of Canton, Potsdam, Rossie, Macomb, and DePeyster, and part of Jefferson County.

Byrne, who lost narrowly to Russell in the race two years ago, says he is concerned about Russell’s record.

“I am more than troubled by Assemblywoman Russell’s pattern of failing the North Country economy and driving away jobs,” Byrne said in a release from his campaign office.

“Statewide business and taxpayer groups confirmed what we knew: she continues to lack the commitment to help the North Country economy,” Byrne said.

The release made note of three business advocacy groups’ ratings of Russell.

The National Federation of Independent Business’s 2016 report card gives Russell a zero percent rating on her voting on small business legislation, according to Byrnes’s office.

The Business Council of New York State, Inc. has given her a score of 37 percent “for her votes against creating a healthier business climate in New York, “ the release said.

And Unshackle Upstate, a business advocacy organization, also gave the North Country assemblywoman a failing grade of 37 percent, according to the release.

“Her lack of support for us isn’t new, however. Assemblywoman Russell has voted 425 times to raise taxes for a whopping $33.7 billion, including the largest tax increase in New York State history,” Byrne said. “It’s evident that every time voters have sent my opponent to Albany, she’s done more damage: higher taxes, fewer jobs, businesses closing.”

Byrne says he would support legislation to provide “Across-the-board tax cuts; Reduce regulatory burdens on businesses; Provide incentives to businesses that hire; Invest in education and provide more workforce training, such as vocational and technical training; and Reduce unfunded mandates that drive up taxes.”

“As a small-business owner, I’ve balanced budgets. I’ve worried about finding quality health care for my workers. I’ve had to make tough choices. But I’ve always tried to find ways to make life just a little easier on my employees.”

In addition to Byrne’s endorsement from the Republican Party, he is also backed by the Conservative, Independence and Reform parties.