GOUVERNEUR — The Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Central Trades and Labor Council recommended endorsing mostly incumbent politicians during its meeting Wednesday.
Ronald P. McDougall, council president, said his executive board and delegates unanimously recommended:
■ John M. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, for the 23rd Congressional District.
■ Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, for the 47th state Senate District.
■ Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, for the 48th state Senate District.
■ Addie J. Russell, a Democratic candidate for the vacant 118th Assembly District.
■ Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, for the 122nd Assembly District.
The state AFL-CIO will announce formal endorsements at its Constitutional Convention this month. The endorsements are "heavily based" on council recommendations, Mr. McDougall said, but it's not a lock.
The state committee endorsed Assemblyman William A. Barclay, R-Pulaski, during the special election for the 48th Senate District even though Central Trades endorsed Mr. Aubertine.
Mr. Griffo was the only recommended candidate who did not attend the interview Wednesday.
Mr. McDougall said the council also interviewed Michael P. Oot, a Madison County Democrat opposing Mr. McHugh; David A. Renzi, a Watertown Republican opposing Mr. Aubertine, and Robert W. "Bobby" Cantwell III, a Clayton Republican opposing Mrs. Russell, Theresa.
The group did not interview Donald J. Lucas, a Massena independent seeking the 118th Assembly District seat.
"We chose to only invite those who have obtained ballot status," Mr. McDougall said. Mr. Lucas has until Aug. 19 to submit 1,500 signatures so he can be placed on the ballot.
The council made endorsements in races that do not require the state labor union's approval. They are:
nKathleen M. Rogers, Republican, for St. Lawrence County Surrogate Court judge.
■ Vito C. Caruso, a Rotterdam Republican, Robert J. Muller, a Glens Falls Democrat, and Stephen Ferradino, a Malta Republican, for Supreme Court justices in the 4th Judicial District, which includes St. Lawrence County.
