November 4, 2007
License Issue Figures Large in Local Races
By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE and PAUL VITELLO

BUFFALO — When she arrived at an assisted living center for a candidates’ forum here recently, Kathleen C. Hochul, the Erie County clerk, spent a few minutes explaining what county clerks do. As the audience listened sleepily, Ms. Hochul, a no-nonsense lawyer, quickly reeled through an explanation of housing permits, business registrations and her plan to shorten lines at the downtown auto bureau.

And then, Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, made a point — as she often does these days — of describing one service she most definitely does not intend to offer.

“I do not support the governor’s plan to give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants,â€