Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - A Republican County Executive barely running for Governor, much less explaining why he's running, has picked up eight endorsements today in as many hours.
Republican State party leaders overwhelmingly picked Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro to run last week, snubbing Syracuse State Senator John DeFrancisco.
Just today, the GOP Chairmen in Dutchess, Suffolk, Monroe, Rockland, Essex, Schoharie, Steuben, and Chemung Counties have endorsed Molinaro.
"I am honored to endorse our hometown County Executive Marc Molinaro for Governor. Since his days as Mayor of Tivoli, or as our Assemblyman, and now as our County Executive, Marc has been the type of representative who always puts people first regardless of politics. He has shown how to unite people, to build consensus and get things done. He is an honorable and dedicated public servant and we are excited for New Yorkers to learn what we here in Dutchess already know, Marc Molinaro is the best and he will give us all hope for a better and brighter New York." - Dutchess County Republican Committee Chairman Michael McCormack."
Marc Molinaro is a proven leader. He has both the executive and legislative experience, together with the energy and enthusiasm to lead our ticket to victory this November. New Yorker's are desperate for a Governor that is truly committed to cleaning up our government and fighting for our overburdened taxpayers. It's time to replace the Governor who has led New York to the bottom of virtually every economic category, while focusing on self-promotion. Our children and grandchildren are counting on us, and Marc is the person who will get the job done." - Suffolk County Republican Committee Chairman John J. LaValle.
"Time and again, Marc Molinaro has stood up for the people of New York and I'm excited to support his bid to be our next Governor. When we served in the New York State Assembly together we worked together on countless bills to advance our conservative principles and to always stand up for the taxpayers of our great State. Marc will be an excellent Governor and the right choice to lead New York State." - Monroe County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Reilich.
Marc Molinaro is a public servant in the true sense of the term. He has dedicated his career to serving the people of Duchess County and by extension, the Hudson Valley. As Governor, He will do the same for the people of the Great State of New York. During his career he has always put people over politics and has done what is best for the people he represents. He will make a great Governor. It's time to put integrity and public service back in Albany. Andrew Cuomo's dedication to personal ambition over public service must end. Drain the swamp." - Rockland County Republican Committee Chairman Lawrence Garvey.
"I can think of no one better than Marcus Molinaro to be our next Governor. He is energetic, exciting and has lit a fire in our Party that will lead to our success. As a local government leader who has spent a lot of time in the North Country, he understands the issues we face and will serve us well in Albany. I am proud and honored to personally endorse him for Governor." - Essex County Republican Committee Chairman Shaun Gillilland
"Marc Molinaro has a record of lowering taxes and and turning an inherited $40 million budget gap into a $20 million surplus. He is the exact kind of leader we need in Albany." - Schoharie County Republican Committee Chairman Christopher Tague
"Marc Molinaro is a proven leader who will return civility and a much needed respect back to the Governor's office. The people of New York deserve better and I have no doubt that Marc will deliver." Steuben County Republican Committee Chairman Joe Sempolinski
"I have long known that Marc Molinaro would be the right person to be our Governor. He will return honor, respect and dignity to the Governor's office and I am proud to endorse him." - Rodney Strange NYGOP Regional Vice Chairman and Chemung County Republican Committee Chairman.
Before the impromptu straw poll last week, DeFrancisco had been considered the front runner in the race for the Republican Gubernatorial nomination. Molinaro wasn't even running. He announced he wasn't going to run in January but party leaders downstate have been calling for him to change his mind.