Email: "Clark is the HARDEST sell for the Dems-probably why Len Lenihan went with Keane. In the end it was really a money thing-Clark can squeeze West Seneca for all its worth as he is the KING there. He claims to have about $500,000;
Keane grabbed all my prior union support and money early on, Mayor Byron Brown's endorsement and has about $300,000; the Rep is Chris Collins, who is a zillionaire-corporate vulture type. He dumped about $500,000 of his own money in a Congressional race vs LaFalce in 2003 ? has more to burn in this race.
Lenny Lenihan did not and would not come out for me early on- or ever- in this race and I needed that to be able to get credibility-I was his guy in 2003-and to raise money which I could never do with these other 2 guys mega $lugging it out. My position as only a councilman in the political minority in Amherst put me in a weak fundraising position-
I can't help too many people plus I have a history of fighting special interests-the very people you need to raise the mega bucks.!
Moreover I hurt myself by promising to support the party's choice-even if it wasn't me-the others did not. Donors want a guy who is going to go the distance.
I have to go with Lenihan-and Keane-as the endorsed Dem candidate-and be loyal to the party-they are the people promising I get a shot at the bench someday soon or some other prize for my prior run and all the other service to the government and party over the years.
Jim Keane was Gorski's Deputy CE and will make a great CE. Of course
Clark was supporting Giambra the last 2 times out-to protect his brother's job with him-so I really don't owe him anything-
except he has offered me the deputy county executive position if he wins and I support him-tough to turn down-it pays more than the CE itself. Maybe Keane will do the same as I am supporting him. Maybe that is the way to get to be CE after all?
Maybe I get a shot at the Supremes -Clark told me today that it was the talk on the street. We will see. I hope I set a standard for dignity and pride, and for not attacking the other candidates. Bowing out like this is not easy for me. Dan"