2013 ELECTIONS: Monroe County Dems pick slate 

Tonight's Monroe County Democratic convention yielded few surprises. All city incumbents won the designation of the party, with the exception of Rochester school board member Cynthia Elliott. If Elliott wants to stay in the race, she'll either have to force a September primary or win the backing of another party to run in the November general election.

Democrats designated candidates for town, county, and city offices. Incumbent Mayor Tom Richards bested challenger Lovely Warren 58 percent to 42 percent to win the party's backing -- a respectable margin, but not the overwhelming victory declared a few weeks ago by party head Joe Morelle.

Anticipating the defeat, Warren's camp sent out a press release earlier today. It reads, in part:

"Now that all committees have voted and we have a final tally, the outcome clearly shows that a significant number of the Democratic committee members -- the community activists and grassroots campaigners who are the heart and soul of our party -- believe, as I do, that our priorities as a city need to be re-balanced, and that it is time to turn the page and bring a fresh energy and fresh perspective to the office."

Warren is president of Rochester City Council. She says she will stay in the mayor's race.

Incumbents Loretta Scott, Matt Haag, Carolee Conklin, Dana Miller, and Jackie Ortiz won the party's backing for City Council. And incumbents Van White and Jose Cruz were designated for Rochester school board, along with newcomer Candice Lucas. Lucas, who is president of the RCSD Parent Advisory Council, came in second in the balloting, behind Cruz.