New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced today that the special election in New York's 26th Congressional district will be held on May 24.
Cuomo's declaration comes exactly one month after former Rep. Chris Lee (R) resigned following the revelation that he replied to a personal ad on Craigslist with a shirtless photo of himself.
Cuomo's declaration comes exactly one month after former Rep. Chris Lee (R) resigned following the revelation that he replied to a personal ad on Craigslist with a shirtless photo of himself.
Cuomo had insisted the legislature pass his proposal to change the state's federal election laws to allow sufficient time for military and overseas ballots to be mailed and sent back.The law now requires elections in the state to be held between 70 and 80 days after a vacancy is recognized, twice the previous timeframe.
"This law makes sure that all New Yorkers - including those serving in the military - have their votes counted," Cuomo said in a statement. "Our electoral process only functions properly when all citizens have the chance to participate. I thank the legislature for quickly and unanimously passing this measure so that I could sign it into law and call a special election to ensure fair representation in the 26th Congressional District."
Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, the Republican nominee, has emerged as the frontrunner in the race, despite efforts from Iraq War veteran David Bellavia to woo conservatives. Corwin got the backing of New York Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long this week, and is expected to get the endorsement of the party when the executive committee meets to vote.
Democrats have yet to put forward a timetable for selecting their nominee, although Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul is seen as the frontrunner to earn the nomination. Wealthy businessman Jack Davis, who has run three times before for the seat as a Democrat, tried for the GOP nomination but lost, and is now floating his own independent campaign and has said he would spent as much as $3 million of his own money.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2011/03/cuomo-announces-special-election-date-09
"This law makes sure that all New Yorkers - including those serving in the military - have their votes counted," Cuomo said in a statement. "Our electoral process only functions properly when all citizens have the chance to participate. I thank the legislature for quickly and unanimously passing this measure so that I could sign it into law and call a special election to ensure fair representation in the 26th Congressional District."
Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, the Republican nominee, has emerged as the frontrunner in the race, despite efforts from Iraq War veteran David Bellavia to woo conservatives. Corwin got the backing of New York Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long this week, and is expected to get the endorsement of the party when the executive committee meets to vote.
Democrats have yet to put forward a timetable for selecting their nominee, although Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul is seen as the frontrunner to earn the nomination. Wealthy businessman Jack Davis, who has run three times before for the seat as a Democrat, tried for the GOP nomination but lost, and is now floating his own independent campaign and has said he would spent as much as $3 million of his own money.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2011/03/cuomo-announces-special-election-date-09