By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – It now appears that Erie County Comptroller Nancy Naples is the choice of the Erie County Republican Party for the 27th Congressional District seat. Naples has not made any announcement about her plans. But she did express interest in the seat following incumbent Jack Quinn's decision not to seek re-election.
Deputy County Executive Carl Calabrese is expected to make an announcement later Wednesday that he won't seek the Republican nomination.
Tuesday, Erie County Sheriff Patrick Gallivan said he will not run for Quinn's seat. Like Quinn, Gallivan, also a Republican, cited family reasons.
While I recognize what a noble calling Congress would be, my family and I have decided that right now is not the right time for us to embark on that journey," Gallivan said.
Another Republican, former state Attorney General Dennis Vacco, declined to run because of family considerations.
On the Democratic side, West Seneca Town Supervisor Paul Clark has announced his candidacy. State Assemblyman Brian Higgins continues to consider entering the race. But State Assembly Majority Leader Paul Tokasz has ruled out a run.