In an exclusive interview with NewWNYPolitics over the weekend, Democratic County Chairman candidate Jeremy Zellner expressed cautious confidence about his chances for victory while revealing his vision of an Erie County Dem Party that would include all factions and groups.

“I think I'm running very strongly and doing well in the race because I've been talking about my vision of an Erie County Democratic Party that is open to everyone and of a Democratic chairman who will work with all Democrats in Erie County,” he said. “I want to work with everyone who wants to work to elect Democrats. That's the kind of inclusive chairman I want to be.”

Armed with strong backing from a number of towns, including Amherst, Zellner is expressing admiration for his likely chief rival, Cheektowaga Democratic Chairman Frank Max.

The current chief of staff of the Erie County Legislature who formally served as executive director of the Erie County Dem Party, Zellner believes he has the temperament to be able to work with all Democrats even in the face of disagreement and division.

“I know this job,” he observed. “When you are chairman, you have to be able to have a disagreement with someone one minute and then smile and work with that person productively to elect Democrats the next. It take a certain kind of person to be able to do that and I believe I can be that unifying force within this party. I believe I am doing well in this race because people recognize that I have the strong leadership capabilities needed to bring this party together.”