Unshackle Upstate, the Rochester-based business group, announced its official endorsements this morning, releasing a list of mostly Republican candidates and challengers while promising to be active in several closely watched legislative races.

Granted, Unshackle would certainly note that its long-sought legislative goals, including a paring of state mandated spending, regulatory reform and decreasing taxes aren’t necessarily exclusively Democratic or Republican goals.

The group did endorse three Democrats: Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger and Assemblyman Joe Morelle.

Morelle, the chief of the Democratic Committee in Monroe County, is a legislative ally of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a power broker in Rochester and Monroe County politics.

Schimminger, considered one of the more conservative Democrats in the conference, has received high marks from other pro-business groups, including the state Business Council.

Unshackle also announced its backing of several Senate Republican candidates facing Democrats in key battleground races including George Amedore, Sean Hanna and Sen. Mark Grisanti.

“In 2010, people across the state voted for a stronger economy and economic certainty for families and businesses. Working together, we’ve made great strides toward those goals but New York State’s comeback is far from over,” said Executive Director Brian Sampson in a statement. “The 30 candidates that we’ve endorsed today are committed to improving New York’s business climate and easing the burden on taxpayers. These men and women have earned the opportunity to go to Albany and serve their constituents.”

Sampson also promised the group will be “active” in those closely watched upstate legislative races that could determine control of the Senate.

“Our goal is to encourage voters to cast their ballot for candidates who are truly committed to reining in state spending, lowering taxes, creating jobs and improving New York’s business climate. We will do everything in our power to promote the candidates in these key races and continue our fight to strengthen the state’s economy.”

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