Mesi and Volker Win Primary Battles BUFFALO (wned) - A political newcomer and the area's most experienced state lawmaker came out winners in yesterday's elections.

Even though State Senator Dale Volker lost the primary in Erie County, he hung on by winning the other three counties in the 59th District to defeat businessman David DiPietro. Volker's now faces Democratic primary winner Kathy Konst.

In the 61st District, former heavyweight boxer Joe Mesi knocked out his more experienced opponents, Amherst Town Councilmember Dan Ward and Erie County Legislator Michele Ianello, to win the Democratic primary.

Mesi says he and his family and friends put a lot of time and effort into the race.

"It's very, very similar to boxing. It's never just you alone, [it was] a big team effort. I'm very, very happy we won and we're looking forward to some big change here in Western New York," said Mesi.

In November, Mesi will take on Republican primary winner Michael Ranzenhofer. Ranzenhofer, a member of the Erie County Legislature, says the race for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Mary Lou Rath has statewide significance.

"Certainly the Republicans do need to hold this seat because otherwise you'll have a completely Democratic state...which will result in much more spending, higher taxes, which I don't think the people of this area want at all," Ranzenhofer said.

In the 60th District, Senator Antoine Thompson cruised to victory over Buffalo attorney Mark Grisanti in the Democratic primary with 72 percent of the vote. Thompson is unopposed in November.

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