Independence Party going to court in local-state endorsement dispute
A court battle next week pits local and state officials of the Independence Party against each other over who controls endorsements for the often-influential line.
Sandra G. Rosenswie, whose election as Erie County chairwoman was affirmed by a judge earlier this year, was notified of the suit this week by attorneys for state Independence Chairman Frank MacKay. She said Thursday that after she thought an understanding was reached to share endorsements between local and state party officials, she was surprised to learn that the state committee had filed a show-cause order against her committee aimed at establishing its authority.
“We have endorsed and authorized candidates [from other parties],” Rosenswie said, “but the state has challenged us and says we don’t have the authority.”
The party nod most often goes to major party candidates who seek the Independence line — the top line on the state ballot.
Thomas S. Connolly, the party’s state vice chairman, did not return a call seeking comment.
Rosenswie said she believed she had reached an agreement with state officials in which they would have final say on major endorsements. But her committee then endorsed incumbent Democrat Mark C. Poloncarz for county comptroller, while the state committee is expected to line up behind Republican challenger Philip C. Kadet.
Rosenswie acknowledged that the newest dispute probably revolves around the comptroller endorsement.
“Fine,” she said, “but we should have discussed it.”
MacKay presided over a meeting of several local officials in April at the downtown law office of G. Steven Pigeon, former Erie County Democratic chairman and political point man for Buffalo Sabres owner
B. Thomas Golisano. The Buffalo News reported then that MacKay told the gathering — which included Democratic Mayor Byron W. Brown and Republican County Executive Chris Collins — that all major Independence endorsements in Western New York would be subject to the approval of Golisano and Pigeon.
Golisano and Pigeon also figured as major players in the Republican attempt to gain control of the State Senate on June
8. In addition, Pigeon administers Golisano’s Responsible New York political committee, which spent $4.4 million on State Legislature candidates last year.
Collins said earlier this year that Poloncarz looms as a major political target this fall because of his opposition to many of his policies.
State Supreme Court Justice Paula L. Feroleto ruled earlier this year that Rosenswie could serve as Erie County chairman. But state officials contend that a 2008 Court of Appeals decision regarding the Working Families Party that gives the state committee authority in large counties such as Erie also pertains to Independence.
Rosenswie, however, said her attorneys will argue Tuesday in State Supreme Court that her committee has authority because its members are elected.
“We are duly elected members of a constituted committee,” she said. “I would think the state would want to work with us.”
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