NY business groups renew support of Antonacci in state Senate race

By Robert Harding | Auburnpub.com

Ahead of Election Day, business groups reiterated their support of Bob Antonacci in the 50th Senate District race.

Antonacci, a Republican, held a press conference Monday at OneGroup in Syracuse with leaders of several New York-based business groups. His supporters include the Upstate Jobs Party, which endorsed Antonacci for the 50th district seat.

Martin Babinec, a Mohawk Valley businessman and founder of the Upstate Jobs Party, praised Antonacci’s focus on economic issues and the state’s population loss. Antonacci is running on the Upstate Jobs Party line.

From Antonacci’s perspective, the top issue in the race is job creation.

“I am committed to cutting taxes, reducing energy costs, and eliminating the regulatory burdens that are holding job creators back,” he said. “It’s time to roll up our sleeves and work together to create an upstate economy where businesses can grow and thrive.”

Other business groups were represented at the press conference. The Associated General Contractors of New York State, the Business Council of New York State, the National Federation of Independent Business and Unshackle Upstate are supporting Antonacci in the 50th district race.

Antonacci is running to succeed retiring state Sen. John DeFrancisco, a Republican and the outgoing deputy majority leader. DeFrancisco was elected to the seat in 1992.

Michael Kracker, executive director of Unshackle Upstate, explained why Antonacci received the group’s endorsement. He cited Antonacci’s efforts to “stand up for overburdened taxpayers and employers” across the district.

“At a time when powerful special interests are trying to weaken the property tax cap and enact a $200 billion government-run health care system, it’s critical to have fiscally responsible representatives like Bob Antonacci in Albany,” Kracker added.

Antonacci’s opponent is Democratic candidate John Mannion. Election Day is Tuesday.