Erie County Democrats have moved from running an unknown CPA for County Comptroller to running high-profile activist Kevin Gaughan.
Republicans are running high-profile former TV reporter Stefan Mychajliw for a full term after he was elected to the remainder of County Executive Poloncarz' term as the county's fiscal watchdog.
The party had nominated Lynn Szalkowski but she recently dropped out, citing health problems.
Last night, the Democratic Executive Committee endorsed Gaughan for the race, something he found surprising.
"It's a dramatic illustration. As you know, I have been advancing the cause of governance cooperation and reducing the fifth-highest local property tax burden that we have here in Erie County in the nation, and I like to think this might be a good example that if you stick to your principles and stick to your guns long enough folks will come around."
Immediately after the endorsement, Gaughan went campaigning in Amherst.
A lawyer, he's best known for his community conversations and a dozen referenda to shrink the size of various local governments. He says that will help him in the race.
