Several will primary for GOP in 54th

The voting took some time – but the Republican Party has identified who they will support moving forward for New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio’s soon-to-be vacated seat. After announcing this past winter that he would not seek another term in an office he has held for over a decade-and-a-half – a number of individuals expressed interest in the 54th Senate Seat privately and publicly.Delegates showed support for the candidates of their choice in a series of votes, which started on the first ballot. Those who finished in the top-5 would be considered for the next round of votes. The five who made it from the initial round of voting were then considered on the second and third ballots.The event, which was held at the Club 86 in Geneva saw more than 300 in attendance, with at least 300 votes being cast by committee members from around the district.As additional rounds of voting took place, the finalists became Canandaigua Supervisor Pamela Helming and Lyons Supervisor Brian Manktelow. However, after the Republican Party supported Helming, a number of other candidates voiced intent in staying in the race heading into the fall primary, which would be held in September.Floyd Rayburn, a businessman from Canandaigua told those in attendance that he would stay in the race as long as it took – ensuring that there would be a primary race in September no matter what the committees decided at the event Wednesday.Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler and John Ritter of Monroe County also have plans to stay in the race and force a primary this September. With this many faces in the race – it will become one of the most-crowded primaries in recent memory.Webster Deputy Town Supervisor Patti Cataldi, Waterloo Town Justice Christopher Folk, Joe Geiger, an Army veteran from Walworth, and Robert “Bobby” Massarini were the other individuals up for considerFingerLakes1.com will have more on this heading into the weekend, as the 54th Senate District Republicans look to maintain control in this crucial district.