via New York State of Politics
From the Morning Memo:
Republican John Faso won the endorsement of the state Conservative Party in the 19th congressional district, a development that was quickly followed by a blast of criticism by his rival for the GOP nomination, Andrew Heaney.
The Conservative Party backed Faso, a former Assembly minority leader, over the weekend, in addition to the candidacy of Wendy Long, the Republican who is hoping to have an upset bid against U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer this fall.
“John Faso has set forth a constructive, conservative agenda to unleash private sector economic growth and bring jobs and opportunity back to Upstate New York. We know that he’ll follow through on his promises because he always has done so,” said Chairman Michael Long said.
“John Faso is someone the voters can trust. He will provide principled and dedicated leadership in Washington. The Conservative Party is delighted to endorse his candidacy.”
But one of Faso’s half dozen rivals for the Republican nomination cried foul: Heaney knocked the endorsement as essentially a back room deal.
The Heaney campaign pointed out the endorsement came without notice, interviews or a mention on the meeting’s agenda.
“People are fed up with the party bosses, retreads like John Faso and their backroom deals that Andrew Heaney will stop when he gets to Washington,” said David O’Connell, Heaney’s campaign manager.
Federal elections records show Heaney contributed $5,000 to the Conservative Party in October through his campaign.
The Hudson Valley House district is being vacated by Republican Rep. Chris Gibson, who is retiring this year as he plans a run for governor in 2018.