UTICA - Michael Arcuri unofficially endorsed Scott McNamara nearly a year ago when he appointed McNamara acting Oneida County District Attorney after he himself was elected to congress.

Today, Arcuri made it official.

It can't be said that Arcuri doesn't really know enough, either personally or professionally, about the person he's endorsing. He's had a front row view of McNamara's abilities. McNamara was his first assistant for six years in the district attorney's office. The two worked together for 13 years and Arcuri said he left the D.A.'s office to run for congress in total confidence with McNamara in charge.

"When I decided to run for congress last year it was clear to me who should take over the responsibility of the D.A.'s office," Arcuri said. "Who would be best for it and who would do the job in a way that was best for the citizens and the people of Oneida County. That clearly was Scott McNamara."

McNamara said he was proud to get the endorsement from the man who was his mentor in the D.A.'s office.

McNamara's opponent, David Longeretta, said it didn't surprise him that Arcuri would support McNamara in light of the fact that they worked together and they're from the same political party. However, Longeretta doesn't believe that just because Arcuri endorsed McNamara that it makes him the better person for the job.

"I think it shows the current administration's unwillingness to change," Longeretta said. "Let's not forget it was during the mid-nineties that gangs entered our community and my message is that we need change."