BUFFALO, N.Y. — The eight Republican county chairs in New York's 27th Congressional District met Tuesday in Albany to discuss strategy moving forward after learning a day earlier indicted Congressman Chris Collins plans to remain on the November ballot.

"We're looking forward to, you know, the next week or so, discussing things maybe with Congressman Collins’ team to see what their plans are for his campaign," Erie County chair Nick Langworthy said.

The committees had spent the last six weeks looking at ways to substitute Collins, who is facing federal charges related to insider trading and had interviewed about ten potential candidates. The goal now is to keep the seat in Republican hands.

"I think it's really important now for all of the potential candidates, myself included, to be a good team player and support the Republican that's on the ballot to make sure we keep that seat red," Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw said.

Mychajliw, who was among the potential candidates, said he stands behind the choice of Collins and his attorneys.

"Chris Collins made the right decision that's best for him, his family and, in the end, I think for the district because I'm confident he will be victorious," he said.

Former gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino had also thrown his name into consideration for the seat and believed he was the logical choice.

"My name recognition is huge in that district," he said. "People know who I am and what I stand for so I would have expected I was the lead candidate but it never got to that point."

Paladino believes however, the congressman should promise to resign if he is re-elected. If not, he said the district could be further at risk.

"Obviously, a lot of Republicans don't agree with what he allegedly did and they find that to be a fault in his character and they would likely just stay home," he said.

But as for whether Collins could be convicted or resign following a re-election, Republicans are hesitant to look that far ahead.

"What happens after November, I think we all need to take stock and then see what happens but that's pretty far away," Mychajliw said.

Paladino said he's keeping his options open.