Free Republic

For now, NY-29 residents wait patiently for a verdict to be handed down by the local district federal court that plans to release its ruling this week -- an unnecessary imperative for the residents who want nothing more than to have their voices heard in Washington and a plight that is only too recognizable in the national polls.

Rochester, NY --- Three people demanding a U.S. Congressman are suing the Governor of New York to get one. A lawsuit filed late Monday in federal court is aimed at compelling Gov. David Paterson to declare a special election in the state’s 29th Congressional District. This is the same seat Eric Massa resigned effective March 9th, nearly two months ago

Paterson to NY-29: Drop DeadThe governor deems that a congressman for western New York is optional.  Remember Rep. Eric Massa (D., N.Y.)? It’s understandable that you may not want to remember the Tickle-Me Congressman, and his scandalous departure is receding further into history; it has been a full six weeks since he resigned from Congress.His former seat in the House of Representatives has remained vacant since March 8, and while it’s not uncommon for a district to have no representation for a few weeks after a death or unexpected resignation, Gov. David Paterson hasn’t even declared a vacancy. Under New...

Upstate New York voters may be experiencing a sense of déjà vu, as state election officials prepare for the possibility of a third special election in the wake of Democratic Rep. Eric Massa’s planned resignation Monday amid allegations of ethical improprieties. But unlike in the two recent New York special elections, which Democrats won in Republican-friendly districts, Republicans are feeling bullish about their prospects for winning Massa’s seat, given the circumstances surrounding the vacancy and the conservative nature of Massa’s western New York district. Republicans hold a 45,000-voter registration advantage in New York’s 29th District, and it is one of...

Now that Congressman Eric Massa has announced his intention to resign, what's next for the 29th district? Governor David Paterson will issue a proclamation sometime after Massa's resignation. A special election would have to happen 30 to 45 days after that proclamation and candidates would be chosen by the heads of the political parties in these counties. Assembly minority leader Brian Kolb of Canandaigua has been asked to run for Massa's seat. While he says it's not on his radar right now, Kolb says local leaders have to start thinking of filling the seat-- soon. "I think Governor Paterson has...