Former Assemblyman Paul Tonko stopped short of officially tossing his hat into the 21st Congressional race. He says an announcement is coming in days as to whether he'll bring the total number of candidates to ten, but the mudslinging has already begun.

“Paul Tonko was given a substantial responsibility to run an agency called NYSERDA which is very crucial for the energy future of this state, which he abandoned,” said candidate Phil Steck.

“I honor my commitments very responsibly,” replied Tonko.

Tonko says he wanted to wait until the state budget process was over before he stepped down from his post at NYSERDA this week, but that's meant he's late to the starting line.

“I think our campaign is well on its way, that our people are already engaged and there's going to be a little catch up that has to happen,” said candidate Tracey Brooks.

“To have that sort of knowledge base and experience and expertise is a very strong head start,” Tonko said.

Running for congress on a crowded path

A crowded 21st Congressional race has many of the candidates scrambling for those few key endorsements. And some believe, it's not how long you've been in the race -- it's how well you run. Our Britt Godshalk reports from the campaign trail.

“I think it is responsibility to our day jobs. I'm still on my day job and I'll remain there,” Burridge said.

He and six other democrats went before members of the Albany County Democratic committee this weekend to appeal for their endorsement, something the candidates say would give them a leg up in a crowded race.

“Oh it would mean a lot to me,” candidate Arthur Welser said.

“It would be people, boots on the ground, to help go door to door and help get the message out about my candidacy,” candidate Darius Shahinfar said.

The committee won't vote on who to endorse until May 21st, but if the last few months of this race are any indication, a lot could change by then.

“It's also yet to be seen if they will endorse any one of the candidates,” said candidate Lester Freeman. “The jury is still out since they didn't endorse David Soares or Paul Klein in the DA's race.”

But some key endorsements will only come further down the road. Mike McNulty has said he won't back a candidate until after the primary.

But one Albany County resident says he hopes the next congressman holds a lot of the same qualities as the one he or she will succeed.

“Always maintained his humility,” said Jack McNulty, father of Mike McNulty.

“And he's got a proud father, I understand,” our reporter said.

“Positively,” replied McNulty. “I'm proud of all of my children. They've all done well.”

Democrat John Aretakis is also running, but said when he announced he didn't want any endorsements.

Two Republicans are also in the race: local businessmen Steven Vasquez and Jim Buhrmaster.