Despite nasty ad, Grisanti wins primary

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - In the Republican primary race, a nasty campaign ad didn't seem to hurt incumbent state Senator Mark Grisanti, who beat challenger Kevin Stocker by a wide margin.

Grisanti spoke out Thursday night before polls closed about the ad, saying he believed his opponent knew about it.

MORE | See election results here

The ad used provocative images from a gay porn website and accused Grisanti of receiving more than $750,000 for his "yes" vote on the issue of same sex marriage. You can see the ad for yourself here, though be aware the graphic image may offend some people.

Grisanti's campaign calls it "one of the most despicable campaign tricks ever in local politics." When News 4's Lou Raguse asked Grisanti's opponent Kevin Stocker about it, he got this response:

"You are the first one who has shown it to me and I find it highly inappropriate and offensive. I think it's derogatory toward gays, and it's out of bounds, and should not be involved in this campaign."

But a Stocker supporter, Matthew Ricchaizzi, who collected signatures for Stocker, called the attack ad "brilliant."

The ad received attention from popular blogs, including the Huffington Post and Politico. The ad says "Paid for by the Committee to Save the Erie County Republican Party," a group with no website, office, or social media site.

In the end, it didn't matter. Grisanti beat Stocker in the primary race. He still has to face off against whomever wins the Democratic primary. And though the 60th Senate District is three-to-one Democrat, Grisanti believes he has a good chance of winning a second term.