Senate Candidate Darrel Aubertine has won the endorsement of the Jefferson County Independence Party.
The Thursday evening action is expected to touch off a dispute and possible legal action over the I.P. line on the Feb. 26th ballot.
Jefferson County I.P. Vice Chair Tammy Parker said a makeshift I.P. committee is being formed in Oswego County. That committee meets tonight and is expected to endorse Will Barclay.
The possible legal question will be whether the Oswego County group is a legal entity and whether its endorsement counts for anything, Parker said.
The Jefferson County committee voted 8-0 at last night's meeting to endorse Aubertine. Chairman John Rice said he would file notice of the designation with the state Board of Elections immediately.
There isn't any semblance of an I.P. party in St. Lawrence County, part of which also comprises the 48th Senate District.
State Independence Party Chairman Frank McKay was expected to support Will Barclay, and push to see him get the I.P. line.
Aubertine issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to have the backing of Independence Party members and officials from right here in Central and Northern New York,” said Aubertine. “I applaud the courage and resolve of the local party as they stand up to the powers that be in Albany. This local party and these local members are showing the grit and independence that defines the good people of our region, and I thank them for it.”
