Unshackle Upstate, the pro-business Rochester-based group, has endorsed Republican Sens. James Seward and Mark Grisanti, both of whom face primaries this Thursday.

Grisanti, one of the four Republican lawmakers to support same-sex marriage last year, faces Republican Kevin Stocker.

“During his first term in office, Senator Grisanti has demonstrated that he is committed to promoting job growth and unlocking New York’s true economic potential,” said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate. “Thanks to his determination, commitment to fiscal values and hard work, we’ve seen two consecutive years of responsible state budgets and the enactment of the 2-percent property tax cap. Senator Grisanti has earned this endorsement and it’s imperative that the voters of the 60th Senate district to send him back to Albany for another term.”

Seward, the chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee, is opposed by James Blake, who is backed by 2010 GOP gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino.

“Senator Seward, who received a score of 94 on our pro-business, pro-taxpayer scorecard, has demonstrated that he is serious about helping families and businesses in the 51st district. He voted in support of two consecutive fiscally responsible state budgets, was a co-sponsor of the 2-percent property tax cap and was the sponsor of S.7663 – a bill that would phase out the corporate franchise tax and personal income tax for manufacturers,” Sampson said. “New York has made progress in the last two years and we expect more will follow if we elect the right people to office. The voters of the 51st district should send Senator Seward back to Albany where he’ll continue to fight for taxpayers and employers.”

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