Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Erie County Conservative Party Chairman Ralph Lorigo has been friends with the two men who are seeking the Republican and Conservative nomination to the newly created NY-23 Congressional District, Carl Paladino and Nick Langworthy.
As for the primary battle that looms in August, Lorigo ruled out any internal struggle.
"Conservatives stand behind Nick Langworthy in this race," he said on WBEN Monday.
Lorigo quickly cited Langworthy's credentials. "He grew up in the Southern Tier. He was an aide to congressman Tom Reynolds for seven years before he became Erie County party chair. He served as Erie County GOP chairman for 10 years, before (former President) Trump recruited him to be the state chair."
Regarding Carl Paladino, Lorigo called him a friend. "I've known Carl for decades. I believe he's often misunderstood by the press. But, in my opinion, we can't have a representative who is motivated by anger and frustration."
Taking that a step further, Lorigo said, "We are all frustrated and many of us are angry, but we need someone who can articulate our position without offending or insulting people. I love Carl, but I respect Nick and think he's a better candidate."
Does the race have the potential to get ugly? "I don't expect it to," said Lorigo. "They both have their qualifications." Then, he pointed to what he described as their biggest difference. "Carl will be 76 in August. Nick is 41."
The newly redrawn 23rd congressional district is seen as the "reddest" district in the state. It includes all of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Chenango and Schuyler counties and a large part of Erie County.
Lorigo said the race comes down to who the people in the district decide they want as their representative. "Someone who can have longevity and gain seniority. Someone who knows the issues and can articulate their position."
The Trump factor could also be a wild card.
Lorigo said it's hard to say whether the former president will go against one or the other. Both men are Trump allies.
Trump recruited Langworthy to be the state GOP chair, according to Lorigo. "If he chooses anyone, I think it will be Langworthy," he said.
Paladino, who ran for New York governor in 2010, met with Trump at a recent fundraiser for Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York. He is hopeful he’ll get the former president’s endorsement.
The winner of the Aug. 23 Republican primary will face Democrat Max Della Pia, the Tioga County Democratic chairman, in November.
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