SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It was a bold start for a challenge to the local Democratic Party structure. Former state assemblyman Joe Nicoletti announcing he has the support of the leader of the Syracuse Common Council and that leader making it clear she has problems with the party's mayoral designee.

“I'm looking for leadership that is more even tempered and has a sense of fairness to it, that I have not always seen in my colleague,” Bea Gonzalez said on Wednesday.

Where Joe Nicoletti will raise the issue of temperament throughout the campaign for the democratic mayoral nomination, Stephanie Miner has already staked out her response. It's not an issue of temperament, she says. It's a question of toughness.

“We are here to tell you why we support Stephanie Miner, not why we don't support another candidate,” said Syracuse Common Council Majority Leader William Ryan.

Miner's response began with her own parade of endorsements from five common councilors and three members of the Onondaga County Legislature. They took up the new theme of the response.

“There's only one person who has the intestinal fortitude and the heart to make Syracuse all that it can be. Stephanie Miner,” Ryan said.

The candidate, herself, making it clear she will not back away from the style that has marked her years on the council.

“I believe that if a leader is labeled with ‘bad temperament’ every time she stands up for something different, or every time she says no to a developer, or every time politics are cast aside for principles, there will be no leaders left,” said Miner.

The two sides in the battle will spend time rolling out their positions on issues, hoping to sway voters to their side. But style may end up playing a role in the outcome. Miner will continue to label Nicoletti "just another politician."

“I promise that you will always know where I stand. I'll always call it like I see it and no one will be a more aggressive advocate for this city,” said Miner.

Nicoletti saying "toughness" is no substitute for workable solutions.

Miner and Nicoletti's primary showdown is due in September. Republicans are also expected to see a primary battle between two candidate for their nomination, Otis Jennings and Steve Kimatian.