BUFFALO BUSINESSMAN, COMMUNITY ACTIVIST GETS WARM RECEPTION FROM FELLOW ALBANIAN-AMERICANS IN BIG APPLE

Buffalo businessman and community activist Eddie Egriu got a warm, even overwhelming reception during a fundraising trip to New York City last weekend. Meeting with business and political leaders of America's Albanian-American community, Egriu found himself being encouraged to announce his candidacy immediately for a major public office.

"They told me I should announce for major office right away," Egriu recalls. "These leaders of the Albanian-American business community offered me financing if I decided to run right away. They wanted me to be the first Albanian-American to achieve major political office in America. However, I decided to step back for a minute and make sure I have my ducks in a row first. I don't want to rush into a campaign until all the needed factors are fully in place."

Egriu adds that his New York City backers have pledged to come forward with financial support very soon.

"I'm not saying which office I'm going to run for yet," he says. "But, I think it's clear that I'm going to be running for a major political office in 2010."