My prediction is Keane will lose the primary and it will be Clark for the Dems and Collins for the Repubs. But much more that just that, according to New York State elections Law, according to State statute 2-126;

No contributions of money, or the equivalent thereof, made directly or indirectly, to any party, or to any party committee or to any person representing or acting on behalf of a party or party committee, shall be expended in aid of the designation or nomination of any person to be voted for at a primary election either as a candidate for nomination for public office, or for any party position.

So will we see violations this coming primary season? I say yes, we will.

The Buffalo News: Latest Local News

Erie County Democratic Party leaders will endorse James P. Keane for county executive, prompting a major primary battle against rival Paul T. Clark and possibly others.

Clark said this morning that Erie County Democratic Chairman Leonard R. Lenihan told him Tuesday his choice would be Keane, and that he has subsequently withdrawn his request for the party endorsement. Clark made it clear he will wage a primary campaign directed against politics controlled by “bosses.”

“Yes, I wanted the endorsement, but it was my hope they would endorse a fresh face,” Clark said this morning. “They’ve just chosen more of the same. This is not sour grapes, because the voters want independent leadership and not party bosses.”

Lenihan would not comment, except to say he hopes to schedule a meeting soon … probably Monday … to announce his choice. The party’s Executive Committee is then expected to ratify that decision.

One other potential Democratic candidate, Amherst Council Member Daniel J. Ward, said today that he is dropping out of consideration for the race. County Legislature Chairwoman Lynn M. Marinelli, another possible candidate, now faces a decisions on the future of her campaign.

Complete coverage of the county executive race will appear in Thursday’s editions of The Buffalo News.

rmccarthy@buffnews.com