The Erie County Conservative party is endorsing Democrat Charles Swanick for the State Senate seat currently held by Mark Grisanti.
Swanick served 26 years in the County Legislature before retiring in 2005.
Grisanti has been the focus of national news coverage for his involvement in a scuffle a few weeks ago, but it appears that attention did little to swing support toward Swanick.
Conservative Party Chair Ralph Lorigo said Grisanti's support of marriage equality legislation alienated him from party leaders.
Swanick, of Tonawanda, served as an county legislator from 1980 to 2005. He was a democrat but changed his affiliation to Republican in 2003, then switched back after leaving the Legislature.
Senator Mark Grisanti issued the following statement in response to the endorsement:
"We are not surprised or shocked that a political deal was cut. It is my intention to continue to focus all my efforts on creating jobs and opportunities here in Western New York. We will continue to put people first and not politics," said Senator Grisanti.