More than 1,000 Democratic Committee members gathered in Lackawanna on Saturday to vote on candidates for Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Jeremy Zellner retained his position as Chairman with more than a 2-to-1 win against contestant Mark Manna. Manna launched a candidacy just last week with the backing of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and State Senator Tim Kennedy. Zellner says that their backing of his opponent doesn't affect his position.
"Well, you know what, I think at the end of the day we're all Democrats, and we're going to work together. It really doesn't matter, after today, what side anybody was on. The Chairman is the Chairman, and we're going to move forward, and I look forward to working with everybody."
Throughout the brief challenge, Zellner had support from County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Congressman Brian Higgins. Zellner says he and Manna will work together and push forward for the party as they approach the Democratic primary and November's election.