| The Erie County Democratic Committee decided to pass on endorsing one of the three Democratic candidates for the 61st Senate District seat and instead allow the voters to decide which candidate the party will support.
From the Buffalo News:
The executive committee of the Erie County Democratic Committee decided today to conduct an open primary to determine which of the three candidates will get the party line.
The three are, Dan Ward, who carried the banner for the party in the 2003 election for county executive; Michele Iannello, a county legislator, and "Baby" Joe Mesi, the professional boxed and political newcomer.
"All three could proudly carry our banner and serve with distinction if elected," the executive committee said in a release.
I will repeat myself here by saying that all three of these candidates bring something different to the table. Dan Ward brings a long record as a local leader in government and has the experience needed in the New York State Senate. Michele Iannello is the grassroots candidate. She is a "fresh face" and has served in local government, most recently as an Erie County legislator, for the last five years. Joe Mesi brings plenty of name recognition to the table as a former heavyweight boxer and is, according to a few people I have spoken to, canvassing the 61st district and getting his message out.
I have interviewed all three of these candidates. For a refresher, here are the links to those interviews.
Interview with Michele Iannello
Interview with Joe Mesi
Interview with Dan Ward
It is worth noting that the Genesee County Democratic Committee did endorse a candidate when they endorsed Michele Iannello last month. However, Erie County's endorsement is important, considering the obvious population disparity and the fact that all three of the candidates hail from Erie County.
It will be a tough primary. The downside to the primary is that we won't be able to rally around one candidate to take this seat until September. But democracy will take its course and come September, there will be a Democrat to support in SD-61. |
