Cayuga County Republicans have backed Peter Tortorici, R-Auburn, as their nominee for chairman of the Legislature in 2009.

A majority of the Republicans "are in support of Tortorici," said Republican majority leader Michael Chapman, R-Cato, after Saturday's Republican caucus.

"Peter has demonstrated his ability to reach out and ... I think that's why he earned the support of the committee," said Chapman, who would not disclose the results of the vote.

Current Legislature Chairman Roger Mills had also sought the nomination.

The Republicans also nominated George Fearon, R-Springport, for the deputy chairman position in 2009 and Christopher Palermo, R-Sterling, as the majority leader. Clerk of the Legislature Mary Jones will remain in her position, as well.

Tortorici, who has vied for the $30,000 seat the past two years, is happy to have the support of his colleagues, he said after the caucus.

"They have the confidence in me to represent this legislative body and the taxpayers of Cayuga County. We're going to continue to move forward as a team and we have a lot of tough times ahead of us," he said. "I'm glad they have the confidence in me to help me lead them as a team through these tough times."

As a small-business owner, Tortorici said he knows firsthand how difficult it is to maintain a business during tough economic times.

Tortorici said he believes he was nominated because of his vision of teamwork and communication and his involvement in the legislative process.

"I've been there for six years, starting my six year. I'm up on all the issues. I've been involved in all the projects over the last five years ... and I think that being a fiscally conservative person who looks out for the taxpayers of this county (has helped)," he said.

Chapman said he agrees with Tortorici that communication and teamwork are important and so is doing what is best for the taxpayer.

"(We need) to keep a closer eye on the county operations overall and doing that in conjunction with the full Legislature," Chapman said.

County Democrats have not had their caucus yet, said Democratic minority leader Patrick Mahunik, D-Auburn. He said the meeting is still in the planning stages and no date or time has been set. The group will discuss a nominee or possibly supporting Mills or Tortorici, Mahunik said.

There will be 11 Republicans serving on the 15-member Legislature in 2009. The full Legislature votes on the chairman's seat in early January.

Tortorici will focus on opening up discussions with struggling agencies and working together with every group and agency during 2009, he said.

"There's a lot of exciting things happening in this county as a whole and I'm looking forward to continuing the efforts of all the individuals that are helping to move this county forward," he said. "I believe in moving forward, not looking behind."

Mills could not be reached for comment Saturday.