Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns says he is ready for a full term, while Democratic challenger Angela Marinucci is not sure he actually won. Kearns' victory margin is about 5,600, but there are still 19,000 absentee ballots countywide.
Absentee ballots usually wind up with about the same results as those cast in the polling places, but they do have to be counted to see.
Tuesday night before a crowd at Democratic Party headquarters, Marinucci was excited about her campaign support.
"It wasn't just me. It was all four corners of this amazing county," Marinucci said. "It's my friends in Springville, my friends in Concord and my friends across the county, Angola, everywhere that has been there for me, has supported me and given me so much strength to do this. I am a mom. I'm also an attorney. I'm a hard worker and I'm excited to be your next Erie County clerk (applause)."
The post has been bounced around in recent years, after Kathy Hochul left to serve in Congress.
At Republican campaign headquarters, Kearns talked about his plans for the full term and how important the County Clerk position is to county finances.
"Elections are tough (crowd voice: Tell me about it.) You're right. They are not easy - and when you win an election, especially a countywide election, it takes a lot of support. It takes a lot of support. It takes a lot of people who put their heart and soul into an election," Kearns said.
Kearns also noted what he called the "tough race" run by Marinucci, a first-time candidate.
