Four Dems in the running for Senate endorsement
by JESSICA L. FINCH Amherst Associate Editor

New York State's 61st Senate seat has been held by a Republican since 1993, so members of the Democratic Committee want to ensure that they endorse the best candidate for the upcoming election, especially since the contest won't involve an incumbent.

Longtime Sen. Mary Lou Rath announced in January that she will not seek re-election.

Four Democrats expressed their interest in receiving the endorsement on March 15 during an executive committee meeting, said Leonard R. Lenihan, Erie County Democratic chairman.

"The meeting was an open forum, for them to represent themselves and address their issues as well," he said.

Speaking before the committee were Erie County Legislator Michele M. Iannello, Amherst Town Board members Mark Manna and Dan Ward, and boxer Baby Joe Mesi.

Lenihan said no one else is being considered at this time. He said an announcement will likely be made in the next two to three weeks.

"We'll do it when we are ready; we are not ready yet. There hasn't been a consensus built yet," he said.

Two of the candidates have several years experience in local government.

Ward, a former Amherst town supervisor and Erie County legislator, publicly announced his intent to run in January.

Ward is a Williamsville lawyer with 34 years of experience. He was also the 2003 Democratic candidate for Erie County executive.

"We need a lot more passion, activity and leadership from this Senate seat. I have a huge agenda and want to return this office to the people of this district as a tool to provide solutions for their myriad problems," he said in January. "We need a senator who is going to work the office with energy and enthusiasm."

Ward is currently serving as an Amherst Town Board member.

Iannello, legislator for Erie County's 10th District, has been in the Legislature since 2006. Prior to that, she was a trustee for the Village of Kenmore.

She said she ran for the Legislature because "government was out of control," and she sees the same problems at the state level.

"The working families of Erie County and in all of Western New York can't afford the status quo and business as usual in Albany any longer," Iannello said. "Someone needs to be sent there to set government standards."

Her push is for transparency in government, accountability and reducing spending.

"It's about taxes, jobs and health care, in a nutshell," she said.

Iannello is married to Dennis Ward, the brother of Dan Ward.

Political newcomer Manna said he is ready for a state position. Elected to the Amherst Town Board in November 2007, Manna is a contract negotiator for United Food and Commercial Workers Local One.

"I am not viewed as being loyal to just one (party). There is $1 billion in the state budget for Western New York ... and I want to make sure every penny comes here," he said.

Mesi confirmed that he is running for the Senate seat and plans to make an official announcement on April 5. Additional comment from his campaign manager was not available at press time.