Syracuse, NY- BIPAC, the Business Industry Political Action Committee and the political action committee arm of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, today announced their 2010 candidate endorsements. BIPAC was formed in 1980 and is comprised of members from MACNY and the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State.

BIPAC looked to endorse pro-manufacturing and reform-minded candidates from all areas of Upstate, focusing their attention on key issues, including energy costs, workers compensation, healthcare and the increasing costs of doing business in New York State. This year BIPAC recognized its growing statewide presence and participated in a record 27 races from across the State.

BIPAC Chairman Dean Burrows stated, “The BIPAC Board found this year’s endorsement process both challenging and highly rewarding. It is no secret to candidates and constituents alike that New York State is at a crossroads in both our political and economic times. Our detailed questionnaire, coupled with valuable face-to-face time with the candidates, allowed not only for our Board to discuss the specific issues facing our state’s manufacturing community, but to gain an understanding of who will stand up for us and be a strong voice for manufacturing.

During such difficult economic times, it is critical now more than ever to have representatives that will work towards a better business climate for New York State, regardless of what side of the aisle they sit on. We look forward to working together with these individuals in the next legislative session and getting both Albany and our business climate back on solid ground.” Based on the candidates’ responses and interviews, BIPAC is endorsing and weighing in on the following races:

48th State Senate District – The race for the 48th State Senate district seat includes incumbent Darryl Aubertine and challenger Patty Richie. Current Senate seat holder Aubertine discussed in detail with Board members his continued dedication to one of MACNY’s longtime top legislative priorities, passage of a long term power program bill, Energize New York, of which Darrel was a co-sponsor and a leader throughout the legislative session. Patty, who currently holds the position of St. Lawrence County Clerk, showed a very strong background in policy work and a desire to bring additional key business issues to the forefront in Albany, such as lowering taxes on businesses. The interview process for this seat proved two strong and suitable candidates, both with clear sense of many of the issues hindering the state’s business community.

Although both Patty and Darrel would serve as qualified representatives in the 48th Senate District Seat, it was determined by the Board that Darrel’s history in open dialogue with our membership, his commitment to energy issues and his pro-manufacturing legislation such as elimination of the corporate franchise tax for manufacturers demonstrate that he is well suited to continuing to fight for manufacturers. Therefore, BIPAC announces its endorsement of Darrel Aubertine.

49th State Senate District – The race in the 49th Senate district includes incumbent Senator Dave Valesky and challenger Andrew Russo. For six years, Dave has represented the 49th District, and has assumed a leadership position in his Senate conference. During that time Dave has supported several of MACNY’s priorities. However, he has also supported large increases of fees and taxes on manufacturers and businesses that as a leader within his party he should have opposed. Andrew, a relative newcomer to the political arena, openly discussed his frustrations with the political climate in Albany, his desire to bring key manufacturing issues to the forefront of the 2011 Legislative Agenda, his desire to lower fees and taxes and encourage a more open and transparent legislative process. After much discussion of the pros and cons of both of these strong and hard working candidates, it was determined that a newcomer to the Albany process would bring a welcome change for our collective membership. BIPAC is pleased to announce its 2010 Endorsement of Andrew Russo for the 49th Senate District seat.

121st State Assembly District – This race for the seat includes incumbent Assemblyman Al Stirpe and challenger Don Miller. Al, a former business owner, is seeking reelection to his current seat for his third term. Don, a current operations manager at a local manufacturer, discussed his desire to lower coats for businesses and deliver a strong manufacturing agenda to the oftentimes lacking Assembly agenda. BIPAC determined with such a small representation of manufacturing experience in the State Legislature, a fresh perspective would be a welcome addition to our legislative process. BIPAC is therefore pleased to be announcing its endorsement of Don Miller for the 121st Assembly District Seat.

The Central New York manufacturing community, through The Business Industry Political Action Committee, offer the following endorsements based on an examination of candidate records in public office, candidate questionnaires, and candidate interviews. We believe the following candidates will best represent the interests of manufacturers in Albany:

47th State Senate District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Joe Griffo.

50th State Senate District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing John DeFrancisco.

53rd State Senate District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Tom O’Mara.

54th State Senate District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Michael Nozzolio.

58th State Senate District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Jack Quinn.

62nd State Senate District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing George Maziarz.

107th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Clifford Crouch.

111th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Bill Magee.

116th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing RoAnn DeStito.

119th State Assembly District – BIPAC has decided not to endorse in this race.

120th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing William Magnarelli.

122nd State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Ken Blankenbush.

123rd State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Gary Finch.

124th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing William Barclay.

125th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Robert Oaks.

129th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Brian Kolb.

140th State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Robin Schimminger.

142nd State Assembly District – BIPAC is pleased to be endorsing Jane Corwin.

BIPAC will be announcing at a later date its endorsements in the Hudson Valley region, where Manufacturers Alliance partner Council of Industry of Southeastern New York is located.