https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Eight-GOP-county-leaders-change-endorsements-to-12864339.php
DeFrancisco's bid dims as GOP leaders flip endorsements to Molinaro
Updated 4:14 pm, Wednesday, April 25, 2018
ALBANY — State Sen. John DeFrancisco's bid for the Republican nomination for governor dimmed this week as the leaders of eight county GOP committees shifted their endorsements to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
Two Republican county leaders who had previously back DeFrancisco, Fred Beardsley of Oswego County and Mike Sigler of Tompkins County, announced that they had changed their endorsements on Tuesday. Another six GOP chairpersons, some of them the earliest backers of DeFrancisco, also announced this week they had changed their votes to Molinaro.
The Dutchess County executive's newest backers are Todd Rouse of Madison County, Pete Sobel of Oneida County, Don Coon of Jefferson County, Bijoy Datta of Broome County, Tom Morrone of Chenango County and Maria Kelso of Delaware County.
"Marc Molinaro is a dynamic leader who can get New York state turned around after years of corruption from Andrew Cuomo," Datta said, adding that he believes upstate Republican support will be critical in the election.
The new endorsements give Molinaro nearly 75 percent of the weighted vote from Republican State Committee members who will nominate a candidate for governor at the end of May, according to his campaign. At least 50 percent of the weighted vote is needed to secure the GOP nod, but with at least 25 percent of the vote a second Republican candidate may run a primary, according to state GOP rules.
"I'm deeply humbled by the outpouring of support we are receiving from every corner of the state. Together, Democrat or Republican, whether you live upstate or downstate, we will make New York more affordable, accessible and accountable for all," Molinaro said in a statement.
DeFrancisco had initially pledged to take his fight for the nomination to the Republican convention in May by persuading committee members to break with their party leaders. He has since walked back those statements, saying he was considering his options after Conservative Party leaders announced they were endorsing Molinaro for governor over DeFrancisco last week.
"Ultimately, Marcus Molinaro presented the best opportunity to win this election," Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long said.
DeFrancisco told reporters at the Capitol on Wednesday that he would not primary Molinaro if his opponent prevails in May, but reiterated that he is not bowing out yet.
"I'm still in the race -- people could change their minds," DeFrancisco said, conceding, "It's very unlikely; the odds are very very slim. "
