Experience

In the Democratic race for NY-26, the candidates pitched the party committees for their endorsement, and each one separately decided to endorse Jon Powers, regardless of the likelihood that he would have a primary fight against Alice Kryzan or that wacky, nutty Jack Davis. Although I would much, much prefer that these sorts of endorsements take place only after the primary, at least it’s a competitive system.

The Republican party bosses from the 7 counties held a sit-down to decide whom to endorse so as to avoid a primary, and they had the added bonus of choosing between two millionaires who won’t be bothering the party for money. That’s convenient, and somewhat less competitive.

They picked Christopher J. Lee.

Who is Christopher J. Lee, you ask?

“I am a local businessman with over 20 years of experience who has seen first-hand what is required to create jobs and provide real solutions to the issues Western New Yorkers face on a daily basis,” he told about 50 supporters.

More specifically,

Lee, who worked for International Motion Control Corp. before his family sold the business last year, has told Republican officials he will pledge $1 million of his own money to the effort.

Privately-held International Motion Control, which was headquartered in Buffalo, was sold to ITT, headquartered in White Plains, New York. The sale price was $395 million. International Motion Control had 360 employees in the Buffalo area at the time of the sale. ITT’s “motion control” division is based in New Jersey.

Why is it that Jon Powers takes hits for being a “political novice” but Christopher J. Lee is lauded for not being a “career politician”. Can’t have it both ways, kids.