Broome County Undersheriff Frederick Akshar is getting ready to run for the state Senate seat vacated by Thomas Libous.

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Kathy Whyte/WNBF News [file][/caption]Akshar, who was promoted to the second-highest post in the sheriff's office last month, is expected to announce his candidacy soon.

Republican officials in the 52nd Senate District on Wednesday were being advised Akshar would be the choice of county party leaders.

Akshar did not return a call seeking comment on his plans Wednesday afternoon. He was said to have been informing friends and associates that he had decided to go forward with the campaign.

The Akshar candidacy has the backing of his boss, sheriff David Harder.

Earlier in the day on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Broome County Republican chairman Bijoy Datta said the candidate selection process was continuing.

Datta declined to identify any of the prospective candidates. He said he hoped the party would be able to announce its candidate soon. During the interview, Datta indicated a formal announcement could come next week.

The seat held for nearly three decades by Libous, a Broome County Republican, opened up last week after the deputy majority leader of the Senate was convicted of lying to FBI agents.

The Democratic party organization in the district is backing former Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala. She plans to formally announce her candidacy Thursday eveing.

The special election for the Senate seat will be held on November 3.

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