Stories still abound from Carl P. Paladino's unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2010 regarding his endorsement of former Erie County Republican Chairman James P. Domagalski for State Senate.
Domagalski was locked in a tough, three-way GOP primary for the seat of retiring Sen. Dale M. Volker. Former Sheriff Patrick Gallivan (the eventual winner) had entered the race, as had former East Aurora Mayor David J. DiPietro. And though Paladino and DiPietro had become close allies through the tea party movement, sources at the time said Paladino most reluctantly felt the need to support Domagalski -- who was backed by party leaders.
The move, sources said, pitted political reality against personal friendship.
On Friday, Paladino may have realized the opportunity for a "do over" as he enthusiastically backed DiPietro over Assemblyman Kevin Smardz in the September Republican primary. Both are competing for the seat of retiring Assemblyman Daniel J. Burling, R-Warsaw.
"I've known Dave for a long time," Paladino said. "David will fight the Albany establishment and work hard to relieve the taxpayers of a burdensome government and unending costs, taxes and regulations mandated by the Albany establishment, which is hell-bent on putting on the backs of taxpayers obnoxious entitlement programs designed to invite every freeloading Tom, Dick and Harry from out of state to New York just to advance a permanent Democratic majority."
Sources close to the DiPietro campaign say Paladino plans to back his endorsement with money and other commitments.
--Robert J. McCarthy
