Amid what Katie Lacey, Cayuga County Democratic Party chairwoman, calls a serious shortage of party candidates in the northern part of the county, the party has endorsed candidates for five of the eight open county legislative seats for this fall's elections.

Democrats endorsed Pat Mahunik to run for the District 12 legislative seat currently held by Republican legislator Dave Pappert, who is not seeking re-election.

Committee members agreed to back Dan Sincebaugh to run for the District 14 seat currently held by fellow Democrat Michael Lepak, who is also leaving the Legislature.

Current Legislature Chairman George Fearon may challenge Lon Fricano, who the Democrats endorsed to run for the District 7 seat.

As Michele Sedor, representing the towns of Owasco and Sennett, steps away from the Legislature at the end of this year, Sedor's brother, Terrence Lattimore, received the backing by Democrats to fill the seat.

Independence Party candidate Sjana McClure-Berry received Democratic Party support to run for legislator in District 8, the seat currently held by Francis Mitchell.

Lacey said Wednesday that Democrats have not yet chosen a candidate to run for the District 10 seat held by legislator Peter Tortorici.

Legislative seats 2 and 4 also remain open, and party members continue to seek candidates.

“We're still pursuing a couple people,” Lacey said. “There's a serious shortage of Democrats in the northern part of the county.”