Following Sen. Marc Panepinto's decision to not seek re-election, the race for the 60th Senate seat is wide open. Time Warner Cable News reporter Alex Haight takes an early look at this year's field.
The Erie County Democratic Party had already endorsed Senator Marc Panepinto as he looked to his second term. But Tuesday's announcement has left County Chairman Jeremy Zellner scrambling for a new candidate.
"When I got the call today that there was a press conference scheduled and didn't hear from him until about a half hour before, it was shocking," Zellner said.
Zellner insists he will not rush his decision.
"We're going to take our time and find the strongest candidate and make that endorsement as soon as possible, but it could take awhile. At this point, we just want the dust to settle and see who emerges," Zellner said.
Zellner says one potential candidate who has already asked for his endorsement is Buffalo resident Amber Small, who started her campaign last month.
The Parkside Community Association President says she believes her record as a strong community advocate will attract voters.
"No two communities in the district are alike. Coming from a background like mine, I can recognize what different communities need and how we can get them the support they need from Albany," Small said.
The biggest name Zellner mentioned to take over Panepinto's seat is Assemblyman Sean Ryan, who has not commented on a potential run.
Other names Zellner mentioned were Hamburg Town Board Member Michael Quinn, Erie County Legislator Peter Savage and Town of Tonawanda Council Member Lisa Chimera.
So far, the list on the other side of the aisle is significantly smaller, as Erie County Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy is not shy about who he wants to run.
"I'm strongly urging Chris Jacobs to run for the state Senate. I hope that he very soon comes to the conclusion that that's the right race for him. I think he would be an excellent senator and a great candidate for us to run," Langworthy said.
One candidate from the last election who is once again mulling a run is Kevin Stocker. He says he has been going door-to-door since September first in an attempt to talk to voters in every community in the district.
"I refer to them as my future bosses, and I ask them if they would like me to take on the corrupt Albany party boss' candidate, whoever they may be, and whether they want me to fight for the hard working families of Western New York, and address the corruption that goes on in Albany," Stocker said.
Based on their feedback, he says he will make a final decision on whether to run in the coming months. Until then, like Zellner says, it's time for the dust to settle.