Buffalo —Sean Cooney, an attorney and candidate for the New York State Senate 58th District currently held by William Stachowski, received the first endorsement of the race when Stonewall Democrats of Western New York gave him a rare unanimous endorsement. Cooney, a resident of the Buffalo, was one of three who were considered for the Stonewall endorsement.
Incumbent Senator, William Stachowski, (D) was one of the eight Democrats that voted with Senate Republicans to defeat Marriage Equality in December 2009. Stachowski did not submit an endorsement questionnaire.
Cooney thanked his supporters and credited his long-time support of lgbt issues as an essential factor in winning the endorsement. "lgbt issues have always been important to me, long before I considered a run for public office. I am proud to have the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats and look forward to working closely with the lgbt community." Cooney cited important legislation such as Marriage Equality, Dignity for All Students Act, and the Gender-Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) as important lgbt issues he plans to work on.
After the unanimous endorsement, Stonewall Democrats' President, Bryan Ball, said "We're thrilled to support such a progressive and independent minded candidate. Sean has been a champion of lgbt rights for years, and as state senator, we know that he will always vigorously defend equality and justice."
—Staff
