The first NY-17 forum of the general election was … well … awkward.

The first NY-17 forum of the general election was … well … awkward.

If you’ve been paying attention to their campaign ads and social media rhetoric lately, you might have been surprised to see Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley smiling and posing for a photo together Wednesday. But much like the interaction itself, there was a palpable feeling of awkwardness at the first forum of the 17th Congressional District general election cycle – arguably one of the nation’s most competitive …