UPDATE: Bill that would have moved NY-21 special election to November is now dead, while Republicans cheer victory
ALBANY, NY- The bill proposed in the State Capitol, which would have delayed the special election to re-fill New York’s 21st Congressional District until November, is now dead and several Republicans have been cheering in response.
“Further delaying the special election for her (Elise Stefanik’s) seat is completely unnecessary and is a political maneuver that hurts the constituents in her congressional district by denying them representation in Congress,” New York State Senator Joe Griffo (R) claimed in a joint released statement with Assemblymen Blankenbush (R) and Smullen (R), along with Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr (see the full statement below).
“Following significant, legitimate and loud public outcry, the Governor and legislative majorities have paused this outrageous legislation. However, we believe that this bill should be stricken outright as it will disenfranchise nearly 800,000 residents in the 21st Congressional District.
The majorities and Governor say that this legislation will save the state money and entice more people to vote. But New Yorkers know better, especially as unsustainable and fiscally irresponsible state budgets continue to be the norm and there has not been a substantial increase in voter turnout despite election changes passed by the Legislature and signed into law.
New Yorkers know that this brazen political proposal is nothing more than a poor attempt to impede Congress and score political points at their expense.
They know that it severely limits access to important services, resources and support for residents and communities across the congressional district, as well as representation for critical national defense assets such as the Air Force Research Lab in Rome and Fort Drum in Jefferson County.
And they know that they deserve better from their state government than to have their voices silenced because of partisan politics.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s nomination has already passed through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and she is expected to be confirmed. The replacement process has existed for over 100 years. Further delaying the special election for her seat is completely unnecessary and is a political maneuver that hurts the constituents in her congressional district by denying them representation in Congress.”
The bill was originally carried out through the New York State Senate Majority Leader and the Assembly Speaker, with intents of streamlining election efficiency and increasing voter turnout.
However, Republicans have been blasting the Democrats over the measure by accusing them of trying to score political points by impeding Congress.
By law, the Governor is required to arrange a special election within three-months of a Congressional seat vacancy.
“This is a victory for all residents of the 21st Congressional District,” said New York State Senator Mark Walczyk (R).
"As this victory is celebrated, I will remain vigilant to ensure that another scheme to leave 776,971 people without representation, does not rear its ugly head in the future. Today, the citizens won.”
Albany, NY Capitol Plaza image.
