Barclay, Scozzafava, others endorse Renzi for Assembly

Four Republican members of the state Assembly have endorsed Watertown attorney David A. Renzi in the 48th Senate District race.

Assemblyman William A. Barclay, R-Pulaski, David R. Townsend Jr., R-Sylvan Beach, Robert C. Oaks, R-Macedon, and Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, announced their support for their fellow Republican in a press release Friday.

"I think he'll represent the 48th Senate District well," said Mr. Barclay, who sought the seat in February in a special election. "He's a true community leader and is not afraid to speak his mind and is not beholden to downstate interests."

Ms. Scozzafava called the candidate a "hard-working, civic-minded individual who will forcefully bring the issues of this area to the state capital."

"Hopefully, by electing Renzi, Republicans can keep control of the Senate in a time when both the executive and the state Assembly are controlled by Democrats," she said.

Mr. Townsend said Renzi's "experience as a businessman and his experience within the justice system make him a knowledgeable and first-rate candidate to lead us in the Senate."

Mr. Renzi said the endorsements mean "a great deal."

"I plan to run a positive, upbeat campaign and this endorsement gives me a good deal of confidence going forward in my goal to unseat the incumbent this fall," he said.

The seat is held by Darrel J. Aubertine, a Cape Vincent Democrat.