The 2007 Erie County, New York Executive election took place on November 6, 2007, to select the County Executive of Erie County, New York. Incumbent Republican County Executive Joel Giambra, who faced low approval ratings, declined to seek re-election to a third term.
Both parties sought a "fresh face," and Republicans ultimately nominated businessman Chris Collins. Leonard Lenihan, the Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, ultimately endorsed former Deputy County Executive Jim Keane, who served in the administration of former County Executive Dennis Gorski, enabling Keane to win the Democratic primary in a landslide over former Buffalo Mayor James D. Griffin and West Seneca Town Supervisor Paul T. Clark. In the general election, Clark continued his campaign as the Independence Party nominee and Griffin endorsed Collins.
Collins ultimately won in a landslide, receiving 64 percent of the vote to Keane's 34 percent and Clark's 2 percent.
Democratic primary Candidates Jim Keane, former Deputy County Executive James D. Griffin, former Mayor of Buffalo Paul T. Clark, West Seneca Town Supervisor
Dropped out Lynn Martinelli, County Legislature Chairwoman Dan Ward, Amherst Town Councilman, 2003 Democratic nominee for County Executive
Declined Mark Poloncarz, County Controller
Results
Republican nomination Three candidates were considered for the Republican Party nomination: Amherst Town Councilman Bill O'Loughlin, Secretary of State Chris Jacobs, and businessman Chris Collins. Jacobs announced that he would not seek the nomination, and O'Laughlin announced that he would drop his campaign to instead seek the nomination for County Clerk, leaving Collins as the nominee.
General election Candidates Chris Collins, businessman (Republican, Taxpayers First) Jim Keane, former Deputy County Executive (Democratic, Working Families, Conservative) Paul T. Clark, West Seneca Town Supervisor (Independence)
Results
References