Two Democratic candidates running for New York's 24th Congressional District seat earned a joint endorsement Wednesday night from the Democratic parties in Cayuga, Oswego and Wayne counties.
The counties are supporting Syracuse lawyer Steve Williams and Colleen Deacon, a former staffer for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Syracuse University professor Eric Kingson, who is also running for the Democratic nomination, was not endorsed.
Cayuga County Democratic Chair Ian Phillips says committee members took several votes to decide on a nominee, and the votes ended in a tie.
"We decided to come out and tell the world that we think we have two extremely qualified candidates that are both going to be well situated to defeat John Katko in November," said Phillips.
Oswego County Democratic Vice-Chair Gordon Prosser said they would leave it up to the voters.
"We feel that letting our Democratic voters vote in the primary to make their choice is the right decision," he said.
It's the latest in a string of endorsements for Deacon, who has already picked up support from U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner. Auburn Mayor Michael Quill endorsed Deacon Wendesday night.
"The endorsements show that I've got a lot of support on my side," said Deacon. "There's a lot of momentum building for my campaign and people know the work that I've done in this region."
But Williams said experience should count more than endorsements.
"Is that what it takes to represent this district? Connections?" Williams asked. "I don't think that's right. I don't think how many connections somebody has has anything to do with how effective a leader they will be."
Kingson said he will continue his campaign, despite not getting an endorsement.
"I don't have core establishment support and that's ok," said Kingson. "I believe in what I'm doing and I also believe that this is a time when the public wants something different.
Onondaga County's Democratic Committee is expected to make an endorsement February 11.
