Jun 05, 2006 — Republicans face a potentially bruising primary in the race to replace Governor George Pataki. Last week, former upstate assemblyman John Faso won the GOP endorsement, with backing from most Republican officials in the North Country. But some party leaders -- including Pataki and state party chair Stephen Minarik -- are still backing Bill Weld. Weld has also drawn support from Plattsburgh assemblyman Chris Ortloff and Sandy Treadwell, the former state party chair from Essex. Some top Republicans worry that Faso's conservative social views could alienate New York voters. Brian Mann spoke with Jim Ellis from Tupper Lake, chair of the Republican committee in Franklin County and a state vice chairman. Ellis says the focus during the primary should be on John Faso's economic policies and not issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.