Edwards Considering State GOP Position

County Executive Greg Edwards is considering a run at the state GOP chairmanship position.

Edwards confirmed his interest today in a radio interview with Dave Rowley of WDOE 1410 AM in Dunkirk.

The Post-Journal put the question to Edwards on Monday, but did receive comment back from him by the end of the workweek.

Edwards did respond Monday by asking about the time frame of the article and providing The Post-Journal with his daily schedule -- Buffalo on Tuesday at an Economic Development meeting; in Salamanca with President Porter and his economic development team on Wednesday, followed by the County Legislature in Dunkirk that evening; at an all day PERB hearing in Buffalo on Thursday, and the County Fair on Friday.

Edwards told Rowley Friday that the opportunity came about because of his time on the campaign trail for lieutenant governor last year.

"I got a chance to meet a tremendous number of really good people over the course of a portion of the summer last year in the campaign," Edwards said. "From that came a number of folks that have approached me any number of times over the last six months or so and suggested that I consider a variety of opportunities.

"About two months ago," Edwards continued, "a group of folks from across New York state whose opinions I certainly value asked me to investigate the potential of becoming the next Republican chairman for the Republican Conference of New York state."

Though a specific date has not yet been scheduled, Edwards said it's in the charter for the state Republican committee that a decision be made in the month of September.

"I investigated it," Edwards said Friday. "I am investigating it. I've been talking with people across the state, by telephone and otherwise, about where we are, where we need to be and, again, I'm in the midst of doing that right now — talking to folks across the state."

News of his interest broke earlier in the month. Edwards said Friday that he decide shortly before the September meeting whether or not the position is something he wants to pursue.

"But I've really taken it as a compliment that that many people from across the state would ask me to consider that roll," Edwards said. "But I continue and will continue to be the Chautauqua County executive as this process goes forward."