For many years, Erie County Democrats have convened in the atrium of Ellicott Square on Election Night -- the same venerable edifice that houses their headquarters.
But Ellicott Square just happens to be owned by Carl P. Paladino, who also just happens this year to be the Republican candidate for governor. So while Paladino claimed his own turf for a Primary Night party, he's letting his longtime Democratic tenants have the Ellicott Square floor on Tuesday night. His party will be headquartered at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.
"The Democrat Party is a very good tenant and their Election Night event in the Ellicott Square building has become somewhat of a tradition," said Paladino spokesman Michael R. Caputo. "Carl doesn't want to disrupt that for his tenant."
But Caputo is good at what he does. He didn't stop there.
"Democrats will have a smaller turnout on Election Day so they can fit into Ellicott Square, while the building is just not large enough for our event," he added. "But since many Erie County Democrats are voting for Carl, we will welcome them to the lobby with open arms."
The Dems say Paladino has also proven a gracious landlord during the campaign.
But you might say it's been a rather tenuous situation this year as high-level Democrats and Republicans map out their strategy directly across the Ellicott Square atrium from each other.
-- Robert J. McCarthy
