Republican Chairs Renew Calls For Democracy in Senate Replacement

ALBANY, NY (01/09/2009)(readMedia)-- State Chairman Joseph Mondello and County Chairs from across the state renewed calls for the Legislature and Governor Paterson to pass a bill requiring a special election to fill any vacant United States Senate seat. This week, Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco has been aggressively advocating for the rights of New Yorkers by pressing for a special election, and legislation calling for special elections-- not appointments-- to fill vacancies in a variety of positions have been introduced in recent years.

"With the Legislature back in session, now is the time to act to restore democracy, serve the best interests of the people of New York State and allow the public's voice to be heard," Chairman Mondello said. "Governor Paterson should push for a special election to avoid the highly political and ethically questionable three ring circuses that have surrounded Senate appointments here and in other states like Illinois."

"Since so much controversy has surrounded these appointments, it is important that the people validate our representatives," Chairmen Vincent Reda (Rockland), New York State First Vice Chair. "Here in New York, some of the Democrats and the press are trying to anoint a completely inexperienced Caroline Kennedy because of her political connections, when a United States Senate should rightly be approved by the majority of the voters and work for the good of the entire state."

"A special election will allow us to find out whether a candidate knows anything substantive about upstate other than it is a place to fly over when you are traveling between New York City, Chicago and LA," said Chairman Henry Wojtaszek (Niagara), First Vice Chair for Upstate, who has been issuing calls for greater public oversight and involvement in the filling of Senator Clinton's vacant seat.

"When you have names of candidates being floated and seriously considered who have never held public office or stood for a vote, it's clear this should go to the public to decide," said Chairman Mike Sigler (Tompkins), who issued calls for a special election over a month ago. "This is not a matter of not trusting the Governor to make an honest choice, as with Illinois Governor "Hot" Rod Blagojevich, but shouldn't every New Yorker have an opportunity to run for and win this seat, not just the politically connected in the Democratic Party? America is not about appointing people to a governing class. That's best left to monarchies."

"Once again New York's democrats say one thing but their actions show just the opposite. The democrats promise openness and transparency in government but continue their usual practice of making back-room deals and awarding favoritism to their cronies," said Chairman Don J. Leonard (Tioga). "Governor Paterson is not acting in the best interest of the people of New York with this 'one man in a room' process. The people of New York should decide who will represent them in the US Senate via a special election. Governor Paterson should do the right thing and give this senate seat back to the voters."

"In these very troubled times I am sure that most New Yorkers think that 'On the Job Training' is not the best way to choose a United States Senator. Surely there must be someone among the talented and experienced 20 million New Yorkers who could be ready to do a great job in the office," said Chairman James Ellis (Franklin). "How about a special election?? It appears the only fair way to resolve this series of humiliating missteps by the State's Chief Executive."

"Voters have a right to decide who represents them. That is the American way," said Chairman Jay Dutcher (Ontario).

"We need to make government for the people and not look at who can raise the most funds and give the best deals, but who can truly work for the overall good for all of the people of New York and it needs to start now with the people making those decisions," said Chairwoman Debbie Preston (Broome).

"The selection of the right candidate to represent the needs of families and businesses throughout our great state should not fall to the decision of one individual. The person who will become our State's next Senator should be someone who can stand up to the rigors of an open election process, and ultimately start their public service based on an open and public selection. New York is a very diverse state, it is unrealistic to think that we would close the door on other interested candidates and the people's right to participate in the selection of our next representative. I call on the Governor to bring this matter before all the people of New York," said Chairman Bill Reilich (Monroe).

"The People of the State of New York should decide who their Senator is, the political pressure on the Governor and the lobbying efforts to date are an embarrassment to our system of government," said Chairman Mike Grasso (Warren).

"The voters should have the right to chose who is their Representative," Chair Sheila M. Ross (Otsego).

Barack Obama's decision to appoint Senator Hillary Clinton as the next Secretary of State would leave her United States Senate seat vacant. If the State legislature and Governor act quickly, that critical seat can be filled by the choice of the people rather than bestowed upon the Governor's handpicked choice.

Since the appointment process is statutory, all that would be required would be for the Assembly and Senate to pass a bill, and the Governor to sign it.

"During the financial crisis our state is facing, we need the best representative possible to fight for the families, businesses and communities of our state. This situation can be rectified and democracy can be restored, but the Democrats need to act now," Mondello concluded. "The people should decide who should represents them. It should not be a political gift."

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