Unshackle Upstate, one of several business organizations in the state aimed at making the environment in New York more comfortable for business and easing the burden on taxpayers, has endorsed two North Country Republican candidates for state office.

The group, which describes itself as coalition of 80 businesses and trade organizations “dedicated to changing the way New York State government treats taxpayers and private sector businesses,” is backing St. Lawrence County Clerk Patty Ritchie in her bid to unseat Sen. Darrel Aubertine in the 48th Senate District, and Ken Blankenbush of Black River, chair of the Jefferson County Legislature, as he vies against Democrat Brian McGrath of Martinsburg for 122nd Assembly District seat being vacated by Dede Scozzafava.

No endorsements were made in the other Senate race in the area between incumbent Joe Griffo and Democrat Michael Hennessy in the 47th District, and the 118th Assembly District contest between Democratic incumbent Addie Russell and Republican David Forsythe.

Unshackle Upstate says it makes it selections based on its “legislative scorecards,” in-person interviews and responses to questionnaires, and input from business leaders across the region.