Matthew Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential fresh off a debate with state Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk (KAT-chik), Republican 46th Senate District candidate George Amedore received backing by Unshackle Upstate, Wed., Sept. 24. State Sen. Kathy Marchione (MARSH-ee-own) also received an Unshackle endorsement. Marchione is being challenged by Democrat Brian Howard. Unshackle put its support behind 23 legislative candidates statewide, including 16 incumbents. The organization billed the endorsements as bi-partisan, which they technically are, though 20 are for Republican candidates and another is for state Sen. Mark Grisanti. He lost in the Republican primary for the 60th Senate District seat and is on the November ballot as only an Independent. According to its website, Unshackle Upstate is a coalition of more than 80 business and trade organizations representing upwards of 70,000 companies that employ more than 1.5 million people. Read the fulls story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.