McHugh appointment might bite Dems in the end

June

The move by President Obama to name North Country Republican Congressman John McHugh as secretary of the Army at first blush looks like a shrewd political move since it gives Democrats a chance to capture his seat in a special election, giving them all but two of the state’s 29 House members.

But there was buzz at the Capitol today about a potential unintended consequence that could prove harmful to Democrats in the long run.

Here’s the scenario:

State Sen. Darrel Aubertine, D-Watertown, decides to make the race. (He said he is considering it). He wins, vacating his Senate seat. A Republican wins a special election to take his place, deadlocking the state Senate at 31 Republicans and 31 Democrats. With no lieutenant governor to break the tie, it’s uncertain how the Senate would function.

Then in the 2010 elections, the Republicans regain control of the Senate. and therefore keep a hand in the reapportionment process that will redraw both House and legislative districts in the state. The consensus now is that if Democrats control both the Assembly and Senate after next year’s elections and get to draw all districts without Republican input, the GOP is dead in the Legislature and in the House in New York for the foreseeable future.

So the move might net the Dems one seat now, but cost them dearly later.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 pm by Jay Gallagher.
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One Response to “McHugh appointment might bite Dems in the end”

Jim Kelly - NY Conservative Campaigns June 4th, 2009 at 9:27 am
RE: 23rd CD Opening…..

Assemblywomen Deirdre K. Scozzafava has Wayyyyy Too Much Liberal Baggage for An Adirondack GOP’er to run for Congress. In my opinion, she could never obtain the NY State Conservative Party Line which is needed to obtain a victory for the GOP.

If I was a Dem Consultant – Here is how I would win this congressional race….I would run a Blue Collar/DINO/Conservative Democrat against this RINO/Liberal Republican Dierdre Scozzafava ……Conservatives will sit home and the Dem’s will win again.

Deirdre K. Scozzafava took the Pro Choice Pledge with NY State NOW!

“I promise to insure the rights of all women in New York State to controlled their own reproductive lives, including the right to safe, legal abortion.” ……Signed by Deirdre K. Scozzafava (122 nd, R)

Dierdre Scozzafava Co-Sponsor of & voted for Medical Legalization of Marijuana………

Assembly members voted 89 to 52 in favor of the Gay Marriage Bill (A7732)…..Dierdre Scozzafava is a Republican who voted for this bill……

Jim Kelly – NY Conservative Campaigns (Now on Facebook)

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