James D. Griffin: Difference between revisions

While mayor he was the unsuccessful [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for Erie County Executive in [[1991]], losing to incumbent [[Dennis Gorski]]. In [[1996]], Griffin sought the Democratic nomination for President in the New Hampshire Primary, finishing a very long second to [[Bill Clinton]]. After the "Spring of Life" scandal in early [[1993]] where Griffin encouraged anti-abortion groups such as [[Operation Rescue]] to protest in Buffalo, he declined to seek a fifth term as Mayor and was succeeded by Democrat [[Anthony Masiello]].

 

Griffin remained as outspoken and controversial as a former Mayor as he was during his career in City Hall. He frequently commented on public policy issues in Buffalo. He unsuccessfully sought a seat in the [[New York State Assembly]] and in the Erie County Legislature. In [[2002]] he led an effort to recall Masiello from office. This effort fell through because of petition discrepancies and disputes over whether a recall election was legal in New York State.

 

 

In the spring of [[2005]], Griffin resigned from the Council with several months left in his term. He said he had completed what he sought to accomplish as a councilman and was retiring from public life.

 

 

 

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