The twelve county Democratic Chairs of the 21st Congressional District have chosen a documentary filmmaker who lives in Elizabethtown as their candidate for New York’s 21st Congressional seat currently held by Rep. Bill Owens.

Aaron Woolf, a newcomer to elective politics, has directed “King Corn” and other award-winning films and PBS specials.

Speaking on behalf of the twelve chairs that comprise the Democratic Selection Committee, Washington County Chairman Sheila Comar said that the response from qualified individuals for the seat was gratifying.

“We appreciate the consideration given to this race by so many talented people,” Comar said. “We unanimously agree that Aaron Woolf is the best candidate to continue Representative Bill Owens’ work to protect our seniors and the Medicare guarantee, middle class families, and reflect the independent spirit that makes the North Country strong. Woolf is a problem solver who will take a commonsense approach and is committed to working together to find solutions that create more jobs and spur New York’s economy.”

Woolf, also a small business owner, owns a house in Elizabethtown with his wife Carolyn. They have a daughter.

The Republicans in the district have endorsed for George W. Bush aide Elise Stafanik of Essex County as their standard-bearer in the race to try to win the seat back since Democrat Bill Owns of Plattsburgh announced he will not seek re-election.

New York’s 21st Congressional District includes St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Hamilton, Herkimer, Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Fulton, Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties.