By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – West Seneca Town Supervisor Paul Clark has pulled out of the race for Erie County Executive. He announced his support of fellow Democrat James Keane at a late afternoon news conference Thursday.
Clark said one of his key supporters, Cheektowaga Democratic Chairman Frank Max, helped bridge the gap between the two primary opponents. Keane beat Clark in last month's Democratic primary. Clark had run campaign ads questioning Keane's military service record and credibility. Thursday, Clark said that's in the past.
"Primaries get pretty heated," Clark said. "But the message for today is that we have a whole lot in common."
Clark said he was not given any assurances of a job in a Keane administration in return for his support. He said he plans to return to his private accounting practice.
Republican Chris Collins accused them of making "a back room deal."
Despite his withdrawal, Clark's name will remain on the November ballot on the Independence Party line.