Republican County Chairs Select Tedisco

• by New York Republican State Committee

ALBANY, NY (01/27/2009)(readMedia)-- The ten Republican county chairs who comprise the 20^th Congressional District met today at Republican State Committee Headquarters to select a Republican candidate to fill the vacant seat. Based on a weighted vote, there was an overwhelming consensus to select Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco.

"In this race, we were blessed with exceptionally talented, dedicated and qualified individuals. Today, we had the difficult challenge of choosing among them. They all would have made excellent candidates and members of Congress," said State Chairman Joseph N. Mondello. "We are now unified as a party behind one candidate, and we will move forward to help Jim Tedisco make his case to the voters of the 20^th Congressional District. Jim has been a tireless advocate for the people of this state, and he will make an excellent Congressman."

The 20^th Congressional District includes Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Accord to Republican bylaws and New York State election law, the ten Republican County Chairs in the district each had a vote weighted, based on the percentage of that county's Republican vote in the most recent race in the 20^th Congressional District.

Governor Paterson has not yet called the special election. Once the special election has been called, Assemblyman Tedisco's selection will be officially ratified by the same county chairs.

"With a struggling economy and a nation at war, it is absolutely critical that the people have a voice in government," concluded Chairman Mondello. "The people of the 20^th district need representation now more than ever, and I urge Governor Paterson to call this special election as soon as possible."

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