Political Career
On February 14, 2008, Mesi publicly expressed his interest to run for the New York State Senate. He attempted to fill the 61st District seat vacated by Mary Lou Rath. He won the Democratic primary for the seat on September 9, 2008. Mesi received significant support from Tom Golisano's "Responsible New York" political action committee, and has been accused of illegally coordinating his campaign with theirs. Mesi lost the general election to Republican Michael Ranzenhofer.
Most recently, Joe has taken a position with the Democrat Senate Majority heading up a local Buffalo liaison office. This newly created job is very controversial since it pays $70,000 a year plus benefits and is considered a "patronage" job by many, while the state of New York is in hard financial times. Ironically, Joe campaigned against such position while running for New York State Senate.; however Joe claims he is qualified for this position.
Mesi's name was circulated as a potential Democratic candidate to replace the retiring Jim Hayes in the New York State Assembly. The assembly seat was won by Raymond Walter.
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