WIVB What does Dem victory mean for county

11-8-11: Courtesy of WIVB. Chalk this win up as another one for local Democrats. In the last few elections, western New Yorkers have voted in Andrew Cuomo, Kathy Hochul and now Mark Poloncarz to top positions. Some say it's time for the Republicans to make a change.

Former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra said, "It's no more your grandfathers Republican party, if they want to win."

The upset win of Democratic challenger Mark Poloncarz has Republicans thinking, change is necessary for the future. Giambra was watching the numbers come in, and thinks the party needs a new outlook.

Giambra said, "If the Republican party wants to be viable in western New York and in New York State for that matter, their going to have to change their message."

Giambra says it's not the Republican party of old. Giambra said, "It's going to have to be a party that's more inclusive, a party that's willing to be more tolerant of diverging views and philosophy."

Moving forward, Giambra says the Republican party will have to learn from the last couple big defeats.

Giambra said, "If that evolutionary process takes place here, and the Republican party is able to rebrand itself, that might transcend up into higher levels, giving the Republican party a much better chance to be competitive."

Giambra cautions Poloncarz that running a campaign is much easier than holding the office, and says setting the upcoming budgets will be crucial for western New York.

But we want to know what you think, is it time for Republicans to make a change? Leave your answer to this question, and comments on the race in general, in the comment section below.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• mark poloncarz
• chris collins
• erie county executive