Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown today will receive a big promotion to a part-time position. With the backing of Governor Cuomo, he's slated to be elected chair of the State Democratic Committee during a party meeting in Saratoga.
"We work very closely with the seven other Western New York county chairs. And, as far as I know they are all in support of the mayor," said Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner.
Brown will be paired with former New York City Council Speaker and mayoral candidate Christine Quinn as vice-chair. The post of State Democratic chairman has been vacant since former Governor David Paterson quit in October.
"This is just another example of Governor Cuomo bringing Western New York and Erie County to the table and making sure we're included and making sure that a lot of resources are allocated to our community," Zellner told WBFO.
"It's going to be a great day for the Erie County Democratic Committee, a great day for Western New York tomorrow and we're excited to be here in support of him."
This is a presidential election year and that brings a large Democratic turnout. Party leaders want to use that to regain control of the State Senate, a control now held by a Republican minority and allied Democrats. To do that, Zellner has to hold the Senate seat now held by Marc Panepinto and he doesn't have an endorsed candidate yet to run against Republican candidate and Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs.
Another of the topics at today's meeting will be the race for President. Zellner acknowledges the need for statewide Democrats to pull together in what could be a tight battle to keep New York State in the Democratic column in November.
"We are taking no chances and working awfully hard for Secretary Clinton and making sure that people know that we can't let them take anything for granted," said Zellner.
"They have to get out and vote."
