Christopher Lee Moving Closer To Republican Nomination — Bellavia Hasn’t Raised Any Money Yet
Not that you would know it from reading the D&C, but Erie County businessman Chris Lee is moving closer to securing the Republican nomination in the race to replace retiring Congressman Tom Reynolds.
According to yesterday’s Buffalo News:
Lee, meanwhile, is generating more and more talk in GOP circles, especially after Monroe County Republican Chairman Stephen J. Minarik III, former chairman of the state party, said Monday he will back the Amherst businessman.
“I’d like to have him as the candidate,” Minarik said. “If the other chairmen arrive at a consensus for Mr. Lee, he should be the candidate.”
Minarik’s endorsement follows a meeting in which five prospective GOP candidates were interviewed by party officials Saturday.
“I thought the interviews went well, and I feel like I’m building momentum,” Lee said Monday, adding that he is also making a major effort to gain backing from the Conservative and Independence parties.
Lee would bring substantial personal money to the race. This is good news, especially in light of the D&C article in this morning’s paper regarding the success the Democrats have had in raising money. Another Republican contender, David Bellavia, hasn’t raised any money according to the D&C.
Meanwhile, retired Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, a Republican, announced Tuesday that he was filing paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to form a campaign committee and begin raising money to try to succeed Reynolds.
Even if Bellavia wasn’t so far behind the eight ball in terms of fundraising, his ill-advised, stumbling, comments comparing the two most famous Americans of mixed race and refusing to acknowledge it as a mistake, is a rookie move that shows he should try for a lower office before running for Congress. Take a look at this if you missed Bellavia’s comments.
It looks like the Democrats are heading for a primary and it is important that Republicans take advantage of it.
Lee appears to have what it takes — money, determination and a grasp of the issues that has apparently impressed Republican leaders. It is imperative that Republicans united behind a single candidate if they are to have a chance at retaining Reynolds seat this fall.
One Response to “Christopher Lee Moving Closer To Republican Nomination — Bellavia Hasn’t Raised Any Money Yet”
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Equalizer
I like Mr. Lee he has a good pro business philosophy. His big challenge will be getting his name out there. He has the money to do it. It will be interesting if Jack Davis makes another run at it. Then we will have two business men. The only problem is Davis doesn’t seem to understand people want the same opportunities he had. Not to be taxed and regulated.
Don’t know much about Belavia except that he has stuck his foot in his mouth already. I think if he is the candidate we can expect many more gaffes.
As for Jon Powers, I still cant link to that supposed web site that he has for Iraqi Children.