Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Golisano may throw support to Democrats

Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano plans to make a "major announcement" about his involvement in this year's elections next week, an aide said Tuesday, and a published report said it's going to be good news for Democrats trying to win control of the state Senate.

Golisano, who has run unsuccessfully for governor three times and owns the Buffalo Sabres, may spend $1 million on behalf of each of several Democrats seeking to capture seats now held by Republicans, according to The Capitol, a magazine that covers state government.

Golisano aide Stephen Pigeon said Tuesday the announcement will be July 8 in Albany involving "New York state government and politics." He wouldn't comment further, and Golisano didn't return a call seeking comment.

Democrat Richard Dollinger of Brighton in Monroe County, who is challenging Republican Joseph Robach, as well as challengers for two Erie County seats now held by Republicans, could be beneficiaries of Golisano's largesse, according to the magazine, which cited an unnamed source.

Dollinger said Tuesday he hadn't heard of any potential help coming from Golisano. But he called him a "friend" who "has a passion to help upstate."

Elmira Mayor John Tonello, a Democrat running against Sen. George H. Winner Jr., R-Elmira, said the races that could receive funding from Golisano seem to center around the Rochester-Monroe County-western New York area.

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