It may be five months away, but the two political parties in Chautauqua County are already preparing for Election Day 2013. Last weekend the Chautauqua County’s Republican Party nominating committee finalized its endorsements for county offices and Chairman Allan Hendrickson said he is pleased with the slate of endorsed candidates.
Hendrickson said the party will be throwing its support behind Vince Horrigan (Bemus Point) in his bid for County Executive. In addition, the party is also supporting Larry Barmore (Gerry) for the office of County Clerk. Both Barmore and Horrigan are currently serving on the county legislature. The party is also endorsing David Foley (Fredonia) in his reelection bid for District Attorney.
Due to a public vote in 2011, the county legislature has been reduced from 25 to 19 members and of the republicans have candidates for 14 of the 19 districts. In fact, two of the districts will feature a Republican Party Primary.
In District 16 (Towns of Kiantone, Carroll and Poland), former county legislator Ron Lemon (Frewsburg) and former legislator Tami Downey (Kiantone) will be running for the party’s endorsement. Lemon had previously served on the legislature until stepping down from the office in 2010 to become the county legislature clerk. At that time Downey was then selected to serve his unfinished term. She lost the election in 2011 to Tom Erlandson (D-Frewsbug).
There will also be a GOP primary in District 18 (Towns of Mina, Sherman and most of Chautauqua) featuring two incumbents. Because of redistricting, both Republican Fred Crosscut (Sherman) and Republican David Himelein (Findley Lake) are now in the same district.
Others who have received the party’s endorsement for county legislature include Pierre Cagnon in District 8 (Towns of Ellery and North Harmony); David Wilfong in District 11 (Jamestown); William Prieto in District 12 (Jamestown); and Lisa Vanstrom for District 15 (Town of Ellicott south of I—86).
Republican incumbents who’ve announced they’ll be seeking reelection include Bob Scudder in District 3 (Town of Pomfret), Bob Stewart in District 5 (Towns of Sheridan, Arkwright, Villenova, Cherry Creek), George Borello in District 6 (Towns of Hanover), John Runkle in District 7 (Towns of Portland and Stockton), PJ Wendel in District 10 (Town of Busti, Jamestown), Mark Tarbrake in District 14 (Towns of Charlotte, Ellington, Gerry and Ellicott north of I-86), Jay Gould in District 17 (Towns of French Creek, Clymer, Harmony and Busti) and John Hemmer in District 19 (Town of Westfield and Ripley).
The County Democrat Party Nominating Committee will be finalizing its slate of endorsements this coming weekend.
A complete list of all candidates for the 2013 election can be found on our blog site, www.wrfalp.wordpress.com.
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