There are 28,086 Republicans,21,986 Democrats, 19,076 independents, 1,335 Conservatives and 461 Liberals. But Independence members in the 89th District will be the only ones with a say in the Sept. 10 primaries.

Philip Christe of Mount Kisco is challenging Matusow of Bedford for the Independence line. Both said they were undaunted by having so few people have a say over a potential spot on the ballot.

Although 355 voters are registered with the party in the district, far fewer will likely show up. Primaries typically have low turnouts.

"You may find that 30 people decide this primary," Christe said.

Both will appear on the November ballot, regardless of the outcome. Christe will be on the Right to Life line and Matusow on the Democratic line. Daniel Isaacs of Chappaqua is the Republican, Conservative and Freedom parties candidate.

Matusow said the number of people voting in the primary is irrelevant.

"It has nothing to do with numbers," she said. "It has to do with the process. It's healthy for everyone -public discourse. . . . Public discourse is very important."

Christe said he would like to debate Matusow prior to the primary. She said yesterday that she will agree to one.

The two already have a distinct line of demarcation between them. Christe is decidedly against abortion and Matusow adamantly favors a woman's right to choose.

Both claim they are in sync with the Independence Party platform, which calls for a variety of government reforms and takes a tough stance on serious crime. The party does not take a position on the abortion issue.

Both candidates put education issues atop of priority lists. Christe, who ran unsuccessfully for the Bedford Board of Education in 1995, said the current public school system is in need of an overhaul.

"They're just a subject for experimentation as far as I can see," he said. "Schools can only benefit from competition."

Parents should have more control over their children's schooling, Christe said. Matusow said she intends to try to get more state funding for area schools t6 help reduce the tax burden on property owners.

Christe said he favors term limits, reduced pay to legislators and the return to a "Citizen's Legislature" embraced by the Independence Party.

Two-term incumbent Matusow said she is opposed to term limits.

"I think it's up to the voters," 'I she said. "I couldn't justify taking the people's right away to vote for who they want elected."

The 89th district covers Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers and part of White Plains. 
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