Another day, another round of endorsements are piling up for Mark Molinaro in his bid to secure the GOP nomination to run for Governor.
On Thursday, the Dutchess County Executive picked up the endorsement of the GOP Chairpersons in Erie, Fulton, Ontario, Orleans, Greene, Columbia, Saratoga and Hamilton Counties.
"Marc Molinaro is the only candidate who can beat Andrew Cuomo in November. His proven record of integrity, innovation and ethical governance is exactly what New York State needs.
This is about having a candidate that can stand with real New Yorkers and put an end to the culture of corruption that Andrew Cuomo's Administration has let cripple our once great Empire State. Marc Molinaro is the independent leader we need to unlock New York's untapped potential.
Now is the time for Republicans to come together and support Marc Molinaro to be the next Governor of New York State." - Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Nick Langworthy
"From his time as the youngest Mayor in America, to being a fierce advocate in the State Assembly, to being a capable, compassionate & accomplished County Executive, Marc Molinaro has built a record of success making government work for the people it is to serve." - NYGOP Regional Vice Chairwoman and Fulton County Republican Committee Chairwoman Susan McNeil
"Marc Molinaro is a dedicated public servant and family man. He has represented his community well during his time as a public servant and he will continue his record of success as our next Governor." - NYGOP Regional Vice Chair and Ontario County Republican Committee Chairwoman Trisha Turner
"This is our time. Marc Molinaro is the right candidate, right now. I'm excited to support his candidacy for Governor. Marc has a proven track record of lowering taxes and making government more efficient. I can think of no one better to lead New York in a new direction." - NYGOP Regional Vice Chairman and Orleans County Republican Committee Ed Morgan
"It's a new day for New York and I'm excited to support Marc Molinaro for Governor. Marc understands the needs of New Yorkers. He's a proven tax cutter who will shake up Albany and change the status quo. There's no one better to take on Andrew Cuomo." - Greene County Republican Committee Chairman Brent Bogardus
"I couldn't be prouder to support Marc Molinaro for Governor of New York State. I've known Marcus since his days as a Village Trustee in Tivoli at age 18. I supported him as he ran for Mayor. As a town committeeman I was very involved in Marcus's New York State Assembly races. As our Assemblyman, Marcus was a wonderful advocate for the people of Columbia County, always ready, willing and able to help. When I think of Marcus, two words come to mind: Honesty and Integrity. I know Marcus will always put the people of New York State, regardless of political affiliation, first and bring honest leadership back to Albany while at the same time, instill confidence in the Governor's office that is long since forgotten. Marc represents all that is missing in the current Albany Administration. I'm honored to support my friend Marc Molinaro." - Columbia County Republican Committee Chairman Greg Fingar
"Marc Molinaro is a proven public servant who has a record of cutting taxes and making government more efficient and effective. I am confident he will do the same as our Governor and make us proud to be New Yorkers once again." - Saratoga County Republican Committee Chairman Carl Zeilman
"It is with great pleasure that I announce our state committee's endorsement of Marc Molinaro as Republican candidate for Governor of New York State. Marc is a solid performer who has demonstrated an unique ability to bring fiscal responsibility to public office. His approach to increasing the performance of local government while producing a budget surplus is something Albany desperately needs. It will be a pleasure to vote for a candidate with Marc's proven record." - Hamilton County Republican Committee Chairman William Murphy
On Wednesday, he picked up eight which gives him a total of 16 endorsements from the County Party Chairs. That now accounts for more than a quarter of the GOP Party Chairs in New York's 62 Counties. More significantly, Molinaro has secured the endorsement of the GOP Party Chairs in Upstate New York's two largest cities; Buffalo and Rochester.
This is bad news for Syracuse State Senator John DeFrancisco. He had been considered the front runner for the Republican Party nomination to run against Governor Andrew Cuomo until a straw poll by party leaders last week. Molinaro won that vote going away.
DeFrancisco still holds more endorsements from the Party rank-and-file but the coup sets up the makings of a primary if neither candidate steps aside.