Brian Grear received authorization from the Democratic committees in three counties to run as their candidate for state Senate, 62nd district.
Grear, a registered Republican, said Tuesday he'll be the Democratic candidate in Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties and is thus guaranteed a ballot line past the Sept. 9 Republican primary election, in which he's challenging incumbent state Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-Newfane, for the party line.
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Grear said he appreciates the Democrats' backing.
"This endorsement of my campaign by local Democrats - who have reached across the aisle and endorsed me - shows that upstate New York is ready for strong, independent leadership," he said.
Grear, a Cambria resident, is an 18-year veteran of Niagara County Sheriff's Department and a small business owner. He ran for sheriff in 2006.
Maziarz will win this race, but it amazes me how much drama and shifting of the chairs there has been for this race.
As a resident of the district, I will not be voting for anyone in this race. I wish I had an option, even a minor party option. But there is nothing of the sort.
Brian Grear has the Democratic line. All because of his disdain for Maziarz over the sheriff debacle.
