Candidates Endorsed in House Races

By Bud Lowell

Rochester, NY – Retiring Congressman Tom Reynolds says he'd like fellow Republican Christopher Lee to be his replacement in the 26th Congressional District west of Rochester.

To the east, Republicans are starting to line up behind Dale Sweetland to replace Jim Walsh in the 25th Congressional District.

Reynolds endorsed Lee in Buffalo this morning and said he'll work to ensure his victory in November.

Lee is a businessman from Clarence in Erie County, which is also Reynolds' home town. Lee has the endorsement of all seven Republican Committee Chairmen in the 26th Congressional District.

A more conservative Republican -- Iraq War veteran David Bellavia -- is also interested in the Republican nomination. And there's another businessman named Rick Lewis who has backing from Conservative Party leaders.

Democrats also have several candidates interested in challenging for the 26th district. They include Jonathan Powers who's also an Iraq War veteran. Also businessman Jack Davis who ran twice against Reynolds, and Buffalo lawyer Alice Kryzan.

Both major parties will probably have primary elections in September.

Jim Walsh gave his endorsement to fellow Republican Dale Sweetland this morning at a news conference in Syracuse. State Assemblyman Bob Oaks also stood up for Sweetland.

Republican David Gay is also a candidate, but Sweetland was the choice of the Republican designating convention.

Democrats are running Dan Maffei, who came close to unseating Walsh two years ago.

The 25th District stretches from the eastern suburbs of Rochester across the Finger Lakes to the west side of Syracuse.