Republican candidate running for Rochester clerk-treasurer Beth Stocking is standing her ground despite Fulton County Democrats recently public outcry for her to drop from the upcoming election.

Democrats shined a spotlight on Stocking, after discovering she had fell victim to a scam involving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Fulton County Democrat Party stated that "the actions of Beth Stocking detailed in the Rochester and Baltimore police reports show a stunning lack of judgement from someone who wishes to be the city's top financial officer. The best thing Ms.Stocking can do for the people of the city is to step out of the race immediately." 

Fulton County Republican Party Chair Mike Canada said the party is standing by Stocking, who had been open about the scam and FBI investigation prior to the information being leaked to the media. Since the investigation began during the summer of 2022, Stocking has taken full responsibility and continues to cooperate with investigators.

Both Stocking and Canada agreed it doesn't take away her qualifications for the job if she is to be elected as Rochester clerk-treasurer. 

The deadline for nominated candidates to file a notice of withdrawl was Monday, July 17, at noon. 

Stocking thanked her supporters and the community for her decision on moving forward. Stocking said, although she felt foolish for falling in a scam, it's something that she has learned from to make her stronger in the future.

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