GOP seeks Ranzenhofer successor
List of prospects for ‘safe’ seat in Legislature grows
Local Republicans are talking to several potential successors for State Sen.-elect Michael H. Ranzenhofer of Amherst in the Erie County Legislature. The effort aims to protect the solid GOP seat and launch a new effort to increase the party’s numbers in the Legislature.
James P. Domagalski, chairman of the Erie County Republican Party, said this week that a number of prospects are surfacing to replace Ranzenhofer, who is Albany-bound after defeating Joe Mesi, a Democrat, for the seat held by Mary Lou Rath, the Williamsville Republican who is retiring.
Though Domagalski would not discuss those expressing interest in the seat, other sources who asked not to be identified say the main possibility at this point is Roy Walter, an attorney with the law firm Magavern Magavern Grimm.
Also under consideration are Chris Cardillo, also an attorney, and Clarence Council Member Pat Casilio Jr.
Others being discussed include Jay Anderson, an Army veteran and son of former Assemblyman Richard R. Anderson; Keith Bryan, one-time campaign manager for County Legislator Edward A. Rath III of Amherst; and insurance executive Joseph Floss.
The sources emphasize that other names could enter the mix before the Legislature’s Republican caucus makes an appointment based on the recommendation of GOP committee members from District 4. The appointee will serve until the seat is filled in next November’s general election.
Domagalski said he also expects recommendations from County Executive Chris Collins, who was a solid Ranzenhofer backer in the last election and recruited the area’s newest member of the Assembly, Jane L. Corwin of Clarence.
While Republicans scored a big victory in 2007 with Collins’ election as county executive, their numbers have fallen to an all-time low in the County Legislature, where Democrats outnumber them 12 to three.
In hopes of increasing those numbers, even if only by one legislator, he looks to begin the process by immediately laying claim to the Ranzenhofer seat, which he called the most Republican in the Legislature.
“We are under no illusions; next year will be another trying one,” he said. “But we can start by holding on to what we have.”
The chairman said he is beginning to look at other seats where the party could prove competitive. He added that Collins also may help recruit more business people, as he did with Corwin.
Legislature Chairwoman Lynn M. Marinelli, a Town of Tonawanda Democrat, said that, under the “tradition of the house,” the Legislature accepts the recommendation of district committee members of the departing member’s party. She said she expects the seat most likely will be filled Jan. 8 at the Legislature’s reorganization.
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