NY 20: Special Election Set For 3/31
NY Gov. David Paterson has set the special election to fill the 20th District CD seat vacated by Kirsten Gillibrand, whom he appointed to the U.S. Senate, for March 31.
Republican Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco is running against Democrat Scott Murphy, a Saratoga Springs businessman. Republicans probably would have preferred an earlier contest, as Tedisco is well-known in the district. Murphy, however, is the director of a Glens Falls-based venture capital firm and could potentially self-fund.
Remember that new Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has said he aims to win the district for the GOP; he even traveled to Albany to make a pitch for Paterson to set the date in short order. Appearing in upstate with Tedisco last week, Steele called the contest a "battle royale."
"We've come to play," he said, according to PolitickerNY.
So per Steele's wishes, count this special election as an early test for the RNC chairman.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
I am delighted that the Special election will be sooner than later. I agree that it is a first test for Chairman Steele. However, I have strong confidence that with his sterling leadership qualities the republican candidate will prevail. Moreover, now is the time for conservative republicans, particularly those with influential power in the district, to actively demonstrate support for the party nominee. A win in this contest will be a biggie for Michael Steele and the republican party nation wide. So, to ensure that Mr. Tedisco is successful we must unite behind him. Herbert Osborne, Melbourne, Florida.
Gillibrand, threw out all her principles to fill Clinton's seat. Clinton was an empty suit who did absolutely nothing for NY. Paterson is a disaster!