State Senate Calls on Paterson to Set Date
for Special Election to Replace Eric Massa
ALBANY - Republicans in the State Senate are joining the call for a special election in the 29th Congressional district, to let voters decide who will replace former Congressman Eric Massa, according to Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean). They have introduced a resolution calling on Governor Paterson to immediately set a date for a special election to fill the vacant seat.
“There are nearly 700,000 residents in this state that have not had representation in Washington at a time when historic decisions in health care, national security and job creation are being made. We face unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges and it’s imperative we have representation in Congress,” said Senator Young.
Former Congressman Eric Massa resigned on March 8, yet Governor Paterson has not yet declared a vacancy and publically announced this week that he was inclined to wait until the primary and general elections to fill the seat.
Shortly after Massa’s resignation, Senator Young said the Governor told her he would schedule a special election.
“Governor Paterson has broken his promise. When Eric Massa resigned from his 29th Congressional District seat, Governor Paterson was quick to say a special election would be held to fill the void. Months have passed and now it seems the Governor won't be making that call,” said Senator Young.
“If the Governor does not take action, the district will go without representation for almost a whole year. It is wrong to leave our people without a vote in Congress. Taxpayers are very upset that they do not have a voice. The Governor should keep his promise and stop treating our citizens like they don’t matter,” added Senator Young.
Senator Young said the Governor is citing the cost of running the election and the issue over getting military ballots back in time as reasons for his delay.
“These issues didn’t seem to impact the decision of the Governor in the two other special elections he called for congressional seats or the numerous other Assembly and Senate specials that resulted from him scheduling specials in a timely fashion,” Senator Young said.
“Both the Democrats and the Republicans have each selected their candidates and the people are ready to go to the polls and make a decision on who will best represent them. The Governor should not be able to decide whether people do or don't have representation in Congress,” said Senator Young.
“There are nearly 700,000 residents in this state that have not had representation in Washington at a time when historic decisions in health care, national security and job creation are being made. We face unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges and it’s imperative we have representation in Congress,” said Senator Young.
Former Congressman Eric Massa resigned on March 8, yet Governor Paterson has not yet declared a vacancy and publically announced this week that he was inclined to wait until the primary and general elections to fill the seat.
Shortly after Massa’s resignation, Senator Young said the Governor told her he would schedule a special election.
“Governor Paterson has broken his promise. When Eric Massa resigned from his 29th Congressional District seat, Governor Paterson was quick to say a special election would be held to fill the void. Months have passed and now it seems the Governor won't be making that call,” said Senator Young.
“If the Governor does not take action, the district will go without representation for almost a whole year. It is wrong to leave our people without a vote in Congress. Taxpayers are very upset that they do not have a voice. The Governor should keep his promise and stop treating our citizens like they don’t matter,” added Senator Young.
Senator Young said the Governor is citing the cost of running the election and the issue over getting military ballots back in time as reasons for his delay.
“These issues didn’t seem to impact the decision of the Governor in the two other special elections he called for congressional seats or the numerous other Assembly and Senate specials that resulted from him scheduling specials in a timely fashion,” Senator Young said.
“Both the Democrats and the Republicans have each selected their candidates and the people are ready to go to the polls and make a decision on who will best represent them. The Governor should not be able to decide whether people do or don't have representation in Congress,” said Senator Young.
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