VESTAL, NY (WSKG) - A former Democratic Broome County District Attorney is endorsing Republican nominee, Paul Battisti, for the same office.
Gerald Mollen served as Broome County District Attorney for nearly 30 years before losing the 2015 election to current District Attorney Steve Cornwell.
Battisti is the first candidate he’s ever publicly endorsed.
“This is an individual that’s seen what’s occurred here Broome County in the criminal justice system for well over 30 years," Battisti said. "He’s familiar with the candidates and I am honored to have his support.”
Mollen took several shots at one of Battisti’s opponents, Libertarian candidate Mike Korchak.
Korchak works in the current District Attorney’s office as Chief Assistant DA. Mollen accused him of unethical behavior and said he would treat the office too politically.
But Mollen is also breaking away from his party and not support Democrat Debra Gelson.
“I’ve never once in my eight campaigns for District Attorney mentioned political party as part of a reason why I was asking people to support me or to oppose somebody else," Mollen said. "I’m not going to start now.”
Unlike Korchak, Mollen had no specific criticism for Gelson.
Neither of Battisti’s opponents have returned request for comment.