NORWICH – The impending retirement of Chenango County Judge Howard Sullivan has so far yielded a field of two candidates vying for the post – both Republicans. With a primary date now set for September, one of those candidates is alleging that the local party’s endorsement of his opponent is “dirty politics at its finest.”
Norwich lawyer Frank Revoir Jr. will face off against District Attorney Joseph McBride when registered Republicans head to the polls Sept. 11 to choose their party’s official candidate for November’s election, but Revoir has cried foul over the Chenango GOP’s endorsement of McBride, announced in The Evening Sun on April 4.
“The historical tradition is that the endorsement comes after the primary,” Revoir said. “The purpose of the primary is to give its membership the opportunity to explore candidates; leaders then rally support behind the chosen candidate. That’s how it’s done.”
Revoir says the “pre-endorsement” of McBride gives his opponent an unfair advantage. “It leads the over 12,500 active registered Republicans in Chenango County into the belief that the race is over and that (McBride) is the pre-declared winner,” he said. Further, Revoir alleges the endorsement puts all the resources of the Republican party at his opponent’s disposal. “Essentially, he’s got the whole committee working for him now,” he said.
A meeting of the Chenango County Republican Committee took place at the Norwich Town Hall on March 29, with 31 of the group’s 60 members in attendance. Prior to the meeting, both McBride and GOP Chairman Tom Morrone sent letters to committee members, soliciting the endorsement of the D.A. Revoir wrote a letter too, urging the Republicans to refrain from endorsing anyone at all. Both candidates were invited to speak to the assembly in March to present their case, Morrone said. McBride attended; Revoir was unable to for personal reasons, but did send a representative. After the presentations, all but one of the delegates present voted in favor of endorsing McBride. Revoir contends those who skipped the meeting did so because “they didn’t want any part of it.”
“I find nothing wrong with what we did,” Morrone said. “Both of these guys are going to be on the ballot no matter what and ultimately, it’s up to the voters to decide who gets Howie’s (Sullivan) job.” The longtime local party chair said both candidates were given the chance to make their case before the committee, although only McBride was able to do so personally. Asked why he pushed the committee to support McBride, Morrone acknowledged, “I made a decision to support Joe for this position a long time ago when he first expressed interest in it. We had no idea that Frank was going to throw his hat in the ring too until February. I made a commitment to Joe, and I stood by it.”
A press release issued by the Coalition to Elect Frank Revoir Jr. calls it a “time-honored” tradition that political parties refrain from endorsing candidates before a primary. “This time-honored tradition rooted in fairness apparently does not apply when the candidate and the Republican County Chairman are the best of friends,” the release stated.
“Seeking an endorsement prior to a primary is a back-door means of getting support for one candidate over another,” Revoir said, adding he felt “sidelined” by his own party. “They leave me here on my own as if I were a third party candidate.”
Disputing the historical tradition argument, McBride said the county committee hasn’t done a primary endorsement in recent memory simply because there hasn’t been a need to. “We haven’t had a contested, county-wide race among Republicans in 19 years,” he said. He also questioned the efficacy of a post-primary endorsement, when the winning candidate clearly has the party’s backing going into the general election.
While grateful for his party’s support, McBride said he was “saddened” by having to defend it against Revoir’s accusations. “I politely and respectfully asked the committee members to consider the qualifications of the candidates and decide what was best for Chenango County. I’m proud that they gave me their vote of confidence.”
McBride also cited guidelines regarding judicial races which discourage candidates from negative campaigning and personal attacks. “I hope the campaign takes on a more professional tenor from here on out,” he said.
For his part, Morrone said he’s concerned that any split among Republicans would open the door in November for a Democratic candidate to divide the vote. Although there’s been no official announcement, several sources say a local Democrat will announce a bid for the office soon. “It’s important that we get behind the best candidate for the job now,” he said.
“They’ve given me no choice but to also run on an independent line” in November, Revoir said. “What person who has had his legs cut off by his own party would do otherwise?”
While Revoir was quick to point out that he’s not accusing Morrone, McBride or the GOP committee members of having violated any ethical rules regarding the conduct of judicial campaigns, he did express disappointment in their actions. “This behavior should not be tolerated, justified nor condoned,” he said.
Revoir’s Coalition urges action on the part of all voters. “Stand up against these antics! Say no to back room politics! Get energized and voice your opinions in every forum!” the press release stated.