Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The ballot for the expected special Congressional election in NY27 is almost set. State Senator Chris Jacobs is the endorsed Republican candidate. Former Grand Island Supervisor Nate McMurray is expected to get the Democratic nomination Thursday night. But what about a candidate backed by the Erie County Conservative Party?
"We will have a candidate in the Primary," Conservative Party Chair Ralph Lorigo told Susan Rose and Brian Mazurowski on WBEN Thursday morning.
"We anticipate a special election on April 28, followed six weeks later on June 23 by a primary. So far, Conservatives have decided to sit-out the special election and because there is going to be a primary, the constituents of the 27th district can choose the candidate," said Lorigo.
The Conservative Party could still choose a candidate in the special election but if the candidate was not Jacobs, it would split the vote and help McMurray. "We want to make sure the seat does not go to Nate McMurray." Lorigo making it clear that Conservatives want the seat to remain in Republican/Conservative hands.
"When you have a field of excellent candidates, Conservatives believe a primary should select the candidate who best fits the district."
Lorigo said he fully expects Chris Jacobs to win the special election.
Do Conservatives have a preferred candidate? The process is playing out now. Erie County Conservatives will meet Saturday to interview four candidates and make a selection for the primary.
The candidates expected to be interviewed include State Senator Rob Ortt, Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw, attorney Beth Parlato and Jacobs.