Though the candidates may lack the "proper credentials" to serve as Erie County Comptroller, Buffalo News political reporter Bob McCarthy believes Democrat Kevin Gaughan and Republican incumbent Stefan Mychajliw enjoy the high name recognition sought by every political candidate
.
"A champion of many good-government causes," Gaughan has drawn a solid following, McCarthy says. But he notes the Democrat has failed on five previous occasions to win office.
Mychajliw, McCarthy says, scored an "improbable and amazing victory" in last year's Comptroller's race. Despite the power of incumbency, county Democrats continue to raise questions about his job history.