Destino says GOP corruption prompted him to switch parties
NIAGARA FALLS Two years ago, Johnny G. Destino was conservative enough that he received the Tea Party endorsement in his race to become 62nd District state senator.
Today, hes pursuing the same seat again, but as a Democrat, running against the Republican nominee, North Tonawanda Mayor Robert G. Ortt.
Destino, 37, an attorney and a member of the Niagara Falls Board of Education, said in a 45-minute interview with The Buffalo News that he decided to change parties after experiencing firsthand the workings of the Niagara County Republican Party under the control of outgoing State Sen. George D. Maziarz.
Until you get involved in politics, all you hear is sound bites off the screen, and you think that aligns more with your ideals, when the facts on the ground show you that theres a different direction, Destino said. Its kind of a clich, but I think the Democrats care more about people.
He said the Republicans have been rewarding loyalty over competency for way too long, and the people are suffering because of it.
Destino said his political education began when he sought to run for Niagara Falls mayor in 2011, challenging incumbent Democrat Paul A. Dyster.
He might have thought he could count on party support, but as it turned out, the GOP hierarchy was working to support John G. Accardo, the former City Council chairman, a Democrat who was challenging Dyster in that partys primary.
After Dyster defeated Accardo, Republican organization support for the Destino campaign was still lacking, and he lost in the overwhelmingly Democratic city. If youre not marching in lockstep, they dont want to assist you, Destino said. Ive been an individual-minded person all my life, and that wasnt something I was going to change.
Accardo later switched parties himself and is now a Republican committeeman.
In 2012, Destino ran against Maziarz in the GOP primary, challenging him from the right. It didnt work; Maziarz defeated him handily.
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Destino says GOP corruption prompted him to switch parties