Posted on 04/01/2010 3:12:59 PM PDT by autumnraine
In an unwelcome bit of news for the GOP, New York governor David Paterson has announced that he would not call a special election to fill the House seat left vacant by former Democratic Rep. Eric Massa.
Massa resigned last month amid in ethics investigation into accusations that he sexually harassed male members of his staff and subsequently acknowledged groping a staffer non-sexually.
Paterson had initially vowed to call a special election to replace Massa before the midterm elections in November. But his spokeswoman said that the embattled Democratic governor would not do so, citing the cost to taxpayers in the cash-strapped state.
"We have some serious concerns about the financial impact that a special election could have on the county level, especially because those counties are facing the same fiscal crisis that the state is facing," Maggie McKeon said in an e-mail to Gannett News Service.
Republicans saw Massa's Corning, New York-area seat as a likely GOP pickup that they hoped would have generate momentum for the party heading into the midterm elections. John McCain won the district over Barack Obama by a slim margin in 2008, and Republicans have a 46,000 edge in voter registration there, according to Hotline on Call. Massa lost in his run for the seat in 2006.
Paterson last year called two special elections. One was for the seat formerly held by Kirsten Gillibrand, who he appointed to the Senate; the other was for the seat previously held by John McHugh, now secretary of the Army. (That later election gave us the Doug Hoffman run that was seen as the first test of the Tea Party movement.)
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
This is unacceptable. Why are we allowing this criminal to get away with this?
What about the cost to taxpayers if they don’t hold a special election.
It is called “Taxation Without Representation.” You can find it on DC license plates.
Because Democrats don't follow the rules.
I woonder if any of the brain dead morons who think health care is such a good idea will equate this with granny not getting a life saving procedure because of a cash strapped Country?
I’m surprised the unelected governor didn’t appoint himself. Slimy rats have a tendency to do that, even when weighted down by scandals.
Just had a thought... anyone think the Governor will suddenly “find” the money after amnesty has passed?
“That is all irrelevant! It doesn’t matter if the GOP saw the seat as a possible pick up! The Dems don’t get to forego elections because they might lose a seat!!”
They do if no one stops them.
But state officials hired 51,464 people at a cost to taxpayers of more than $1 billion in salaries, plus fringe benefits, since that decree on July 30, 2008.
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.
To whom can we go?
I would think that disenfranchising over 600,000+ voters would be one mother of a civil rights violation.
You sound just like Obama!
Well, I haven’t seen the Pubbies hauling Paterson’s butt into court.
“Anazing! You manage to put the blame for RAT malfeasance on the Republicans! You sound just like Obama! “
I did what? I blamed Rat malfeasance on the Republicans? I made the observation that the Republicans weren’t too bright on this one, that they keep publishing their playbook before the big game. Did you respond to the post I made? Or do you just make shit up to get a rise out of people?
Just Djou It (In Hawaii, a cheery Republican is inching closer to a Scott Brown–style upset)
You are the one who seems to "make sXXt up". Your explanation is a one-eighty from your comment I responded to, but then, you need to be the victim here, don't you!
Which comment was that? This one?
Republicans saw Massa’s Corning, New York-area seat as a likely GOP pickup that they hoped would have generate momentum for the party heading into the midterm elections.”
Duh. So did the Dems. Way to play it close to the vest, Pubbies.
Do you not know what playing it close to the vest means? How is this "blaming Pubbies for Dems malfeasance?"
Sorry, pal, you got this one wrong. I was simply saying we broadcast too much about our plans. That in no way picks up the liability for someone elses "malfeasance" although what that is exactly, you don't make clear.
Writ of mandamus.
Thank you Psalm 144!!
mewzilla lives in this district and he could pursue this avenue!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandamus
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