Unshackle Upstate Unveils 2010 Endorsements

ALBANY, NY (10/06/2010)(readMedia)-- Unshackle Upstate today released a list of the candidates it is endorsing in November's races for New York State Assembly and Senate.

These endorsements – which included incumbents as well as challengers - are based on information gathered during an extensive process that combined Unshackle Upstate's Legislative Scorecards, candidate questionnaire responses, in-person interviews and input from business leaders across the region.

Brian Sampson, executive director of the pro-taxpayer, pro-business coalition that represents some 70,000 employers and more than 1.5 million workers, said that in making its endorsements, Unshackle Upstate focused on "finding the best people possible to help us give Upstate a greater voice in fixing the fiscal issues New York faces."

"As our process demonstrated, there are some good people who deserve our vote to return to office, so let's get them back in office," Sampson said, adding that any incumbent endorsed had to achieve a score of at least 85 points on the Legislative Scorecard.

"But where we have seen poor performance, we must make a change. New York voters now know who the bad actors are and we must work hard to end their tenure in Albany," Sampson added. "Unlike many groups, we are willing to support a new crew, a group of people who have committed to the taxpayers by signing our pledge that they will not support increased state spending, new taxes or fees."

Sampson said that in some races where there was no incumbent, Unshackle Upstate chose the candidate who "demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility and to collaborating with their colleagues to get real work done."

"The quality, or more precisely the lacking quality, of leadership in the state legislature has had a direct impact on the economy of Upstate New York," said Andrew J. Rudnick, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. "We must elect legislators who are attuned to the issues facing Upstate employers and taxpayers, and who will vote in their constituents' best interest even when it means bucking the New York City leadership."

Unshackle Upstate leadership also said they believe these endorsements reflect the sentiments of many taxpayers as they head to the polls on Election Day Nov. 2, which Unshackle Upstate refers to as Judgment Day.

"Judgment Day is fast approaching, which means we need to make clear who is supporting real reform and economic growth in New York and who isn't," said Garry Douglas, president of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce. "Through performance review, questionnaires, interviews and consultations, we're ready to point to those who have been doing right by taxpayers and job creators and those who need to be replaced. There has probably never been a more crucial election in terms of determining if New York can start to turn around or if it's doomed to continued decline."

"The Judgment Day campaign is clear, comprehensive and identifies which legislators are actively pursuing the Unshackle Upstate agenda," said Lou Santoni, president and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. "New Yorkers should continually raise the bar on what we expect from our representatives. And those who meet it should be recognized."

Sandy Parker, president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance said that Unshackle Upstate will continue to push for a state government focused on reducing spending and taxes, as New York's taxes – among the highest in the nation – are a huge impediment to economic growth.

"In the past two years, we've seen state controlled spending go up 12 percent and taxes and fees raised by more than $9 billion," Parker said. "In our homes and businesses, when revenues are down, we cut spending to bring the budget in line. Our state government needs to get on board with this reality. So voters going to the polls on Judgment Day must elect candidates who understand that and are willing to make some tough, but necessary choices."

The full list of endorsements appears below. For more information on Unshackle Upstate, Judgment Day or UPAC, our political action committee, log on to www.UnshackleUpstate.com.

Unshackle Upstate is a bipartisan coalition representing more than 70,000 employers with upwards of 1.5 million workers in every region of upstate. The coalition's website, www.unshackleupstate.com, allows citizens to join the Unshackle Army and send messages to elected officials in Albany.