Marc Molinaro endorsed by Manhattan GOP in race for NY governor
Marc Molinaro endorsed by Manhattan GOP in race for NY governor
Robert Harding robert.harding@lee.net
Mar 15, 2018 Updated 4 hrs ago
The first New York City Republican committee to endorse Marc Molinaro for governor helped the front-runner for the GOP nomination to cross an important threshold.
The Manhattan Republican Party's executive committee endorsed Molinaro, R-Red Hook, following a candidates screening Wednesday night. It is the 32nd GOP county chair or committee endorsement announced by Molinaro's campaign over the past week.
With the Manhattan GOP's support, Molinaro now has endorsements representing 50.3 percent of the weighted vote at the convention. To win the nomination at the convention, a candidate must secure at least 50 percent of the vote.
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It's possible that state committee members could support a candidate other than the individual endorsed by their county chair or committee. But voters traditionally are unified in their support of one candidate at the convention.
Andrea Catsimatidis, chairwoman of the Manhattan Republican Party, said Molinaro is the best candidate to challenge Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
"This election is critical for New York state, we desperately need to strengthen our economy, create jobs and make New York more affordable," Catsimatidis said. "As a strong county executive, Marc has proven that he has what it takes to make New York great again."
Molinaro's campaign announced another endorsement Thursday morning. The Otsego County Republican Party's executive committee endorsed the Dutchess County executive for governor.
Joe Marmorato, vice chairman of the Otsego County Republican Committee, said Molinaro will "restore New York to the Empire State."
Molinaro emerged as the front-runner for the Republican nomination last week. He received several endorsements from county chairs across the state, including Erie County Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy and Suffolk County GOP Chairman John Jay LaValle.
His closest competitor for the GOP gubernatorial nomination is state Sen. John DeFrancisco. DeFrancisco, R-DeWitt, has the support of 17 Republican county chairs representing 18.27 percent of the weighted vote.
Joe Holland, an attorney and former Pataki administration official, is also in the race. He hasn't received any GOP county endorsements.
The Republican convention will be held in May. The winner will likely face Cuomo, who is seeking a third term.
Cuomo may have to fight for the Democratic nomination. Cynthia Nixon, an actress best known for her role on "Sex and the City," is exploring a run for governor. She would run in the Democratic primary against Cuomo.
Terry Gipson, a Democrat and former state senator from Dutchess County, is already in the primary race. Ex-Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner may challenge Cuomo, too.
Posted on 15 Mar 2018, 13:26 - Category: 2018 Election
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