Former Syracuse mayor Tom Young on Monday endorsed Francis Conole for Congress, marking his first endorsement in a Democratic congressional primary race in almost three decades.
Young, 72, a Democrat who served as Syracuse mayor from 1986 through 1993, sent a letter to about 700 Democratic committee members in Onondaga County, asking party officials to choose Conole over Dana Balter and Roger Misso for the party’s designation.
Young said he decided to take a stand in the race because he believes in Conole – whose career he has followed for years – and thinks it’s important for Democrats to win back the 24th Congressional District seat in the 2020 election.
The party’s nominee will take on Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, in the November election.
“I think Francis Conole exudes leadership,” Young told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. “I’ve seen it in his resume, the career path that he chose, and how he responds to questions. I believe that he has the compelling virtues we need in a member of Congress.”
Conole, 41, of Syracuse, is a Navy veteran who served in the Iraq war after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001. He went on to become a senior intelligence officer for the Department of Defense.
Conole spent his last two years of active service on the staff of former U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, serving as a policy adviser for the Middle East with a focus on Jordan, Lebanon and Israel.
Young said he has known Conole and his family for decades, including Conole’s grandfather, the late Patrick “Packy” Corbett, the only Democrat elected as sheriff in Onondaga County’s history.
Conole’s family roots in public service “nurtured Francis’ character and profound passion for service,” Young wrote in his letter to Democratic committee members.
Young said in an interview that he was motivated to become involved in the Democratic designation process in part because of President Donald Trump.
“In large measure what triggers my heightened concern in this election is the fate of the country,” Young said. “In my lifetime, I think this presidency represents one of the greatest threats to this country.”
Young becomes the most prominent Democrat in Central New York to endorse a candidate in the 24th District race.
Conole had already received endorsements from 11 elected officials in the district, which covers all of Onondaga, Cayuga and Wayne counties, and the western half of Oswego County.
Among those endorsing Conole are Onondaga County Legislators Chris Ryan and Peggy Chase, Auburn Mayor Michael Quill and Onondaga County Comptroller-elect Marty Masterpole.
Balter, who won the Democratic congressional primary election in 2018, lost to Katko in the November 2018 election. Balter, 43, of Syracuse, has the backing of three national groups for the 2020 Democratic primary – Emily’s List. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Democracy for America.
Misso, 32, of Syracuse, has not announced any endorsements. He is a Navy veteran who grew up in Red Creek in Wayne County.
The Onondaga County Democratic Committee plans to designate a candidate for Congress on Feb. 15. If there is a Democratic primary for the congressional seat, the election would be June 23.
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Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
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