Utica GOP Struggles To Find Candidates, Will Screen Thursday

The City of Utica Republican Committee is struggling to find to candidates to run in this fall's election, says Chairman Joseph Hobika.

While a pair of candidates have collected signatures to run for mayor on the republican line - former mayor Lou LaPolla and Ernie Sanita - neither has been officially endorsed by the party, he said.

And, Hobika says no one has approached him about screening before the committee for other citywide races like Council President, Council-at-Large and Utica City Court Judge.

''I've been chasing around for four years for a mayoral candidate, four years for a president of the common council candidate and two years for common council at large. The entire committee has been out there searching,'' Hobika said.

''We have had some who've expressed interest,'' he said, ''we've also had some who've already declared they are running (LaPolla and Sanita).''

The city's GOP committee will screen potential candidates on Thursday night at 6:00 p.m.

Those interested in screening for an endorsement are asked to contact Hobika by Thursday at noon (315)-724-1600.

Hobika on WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning talking about the shortage of candidates seeking the republican line: