Press asks Stefanik about 115th Assembly GOP endorsement

PLATTSBURGH | After the ceremony at the John H. Zurlo Clinton County Government Center, Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21) took a few questions from journalists. Several asked the congresswoman about the Republican row last week, stemming from an apparent fray in Republican Party committee protocol. Stefanik endorsed Malone Mayor Andrea Dumas for candidate in the pending 115th District State Assembly election, even as the Clinton County Committee began its review. Essex, Clinton and Franklin county party committees, both Republican and Democrat, are tasked with choosing the person they want to run for Billy Jones' seat. There is no formal petition process for a special election appointed by the governor. REPUBLICAN ROW Stefanik alleged that Clinton County Republican Committee Chair Jerika Manning attempted to disqualify candidate interest, and "float placeholders, float herself, and divide the committee," according to Stefanik's posts on social media. "We stopped that in its tracks by exposing this. We successfully ensured that Clinton County would fairly consider Andrea and let town chairs decide rather than the County Chair, who should focus on her flailing (County) clerk's race." Stefanik called for Manning to resign, citing a need for GOP unite. "All Republican candidates, including our Assembly candidate, will win in Clinton County except for the Clerk's race, unfortunately. We need a strong leader and a unifier with exceptional character like John Zurlo. Manning doesn't even come close to meeting this standard — and voters know it," Stefanik said. Clinton Co. Republican Committee Vice Chairman Jeff Luck responded with a personal statement of support for Manning. He said the committee was in the process of interviewing candidates. "By law, a candidate cannot be voted on until the date of the actual resignation of Billy Jones. This was announced by Mr. Jones (to be coming) in late August or early September, so we thought we had plenty of time," Luck said in his statement. "Congresswoman Stefanik and Senator Stec endorsed Andrea Dumas only 9 days after the Jones announcement, without warning or a request to us if we had other candidates. "Andrea Dumas is a very strong candidate, but they removed from the county committee members any other potential choices that were lined up in the process. "Worse, they began an immediate bullying campaign for us to concede the process and remove the freedom of Clinton County Republicans to express their voices. We declined." The public derogation left Luck outraged. "Ms. Stefanik clearly stated that she would ensure Jerika lost her Clerk race as well as her position as Committee Chair. Since we refused to bow to the pressure, she tried to work from the inside to try and take Jerika down," Luck said. "When she realized she had no play there, she issued that astonishing public statement. I am personally outraged, mortified and embarrassed that anyone in public service could conceive of issuing such a public tantrum, and that either of these people claim to be representing the best interests of Clinton County. "If either of them lived here or visited more often, they would understand that we value our civility and freedom of choice and that of our neighbors in Clinton County, regardless of political affiliation," Luck said. "To me, the most disrespectful thing Ms. Stefanik could have done in her entire career is to invoke the name of the late, beloved 30-year-old County Clerk John Zurlo in an attempt to accomplish this dirty political assassination attempt. This cut deeply to the bone," Luck said last week. Stefanik participated in the county's dedication of its government center to Zurlo. Asked by WAMC reporter Pat Bradley why she supported Dumas so early, Stefanik cited Dumas' work in the Franklin County legislature and as mayor of Malone. "For a special election where you have a short period of time, members, people can weigh in on endorsements or not. I just wanted to make it known that that's who I proudly support." Mountain Lakes Journal reporter Thom Hallock asked Stefanik if she was working with the Clinton County Republican Committee. "We're working on supporting Republican candidates up and down the ballot," the U.S. congresswoman said. "We want to make sure that, as the County Committee is making their decisions, that they're hearing directly from all the candidates, and that they weren't blocking candidates out, which, as I've spoken to some of the potential candidates, that was happening ahead of time." Asked by Press-Republican reporter Carly Newton why it was important for her to return to the podium and speak after protests pushed her away during building dedication remarks. "I thought the radicals would calm down out of respect for the Zurlo family, obviously they did not do that. I was not going to let them drown out me talking about how important it is to commemorate John Zurlo's legacy. I wanted to make sure the Zurlo family heard from me," Stefanik said. The Sun asked Stefanik where federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding stands as Congress readies a return to session. "That's something we are going to work through the appropriations process. It's always been a priority for me just given how important it is for this district. "We are focused on strengthening LIHEAP," Stefanik said. LIHEAP provides emergency fuel assistance used most often by working families and seniors who live on fixed incomes. The current White House administration wants to eliminate federal funding for LIHEAP starting in 2026. ............................................................ PROTEST: CALL FOR REPRESENTATION The protest was not organized by a specific organization or group, but happened as word spread that NY-21 Rep. Stefanik would be in Clinton County, according to people who attended. J.J. Murnane, local founder of the nationwide Show Up action volunteer group, said people came to voice concerns about representation not available to them. "She hasn't held anything in our area for years. This is what happens," Murnane said. Reporters noted repeating chants calling Stefanik to host a Town Hall. They asked Murnane if that could be successful, especially given the aggrieved reaction to her at the government center. "I don't think this is about Democrats versus Republicans," Murnane said. "We are all represented by Stefanik and with the recent cuts that just got passed, we're all going to be affected," she said, naming fiscal threats to health care facilities and clinics in particular. "If Stefanik was able to show her face in a Town Hall to address all people -- this isn't about party lines any more. This is about representing your entire district. "I tell people put the party thing aside for two seconds. Look at what she's done for you. I don't care who you voted for for president. This is about our local community, the local impact that she has had on you personally." In response to the protest, Stefanik called the conduct shameful. "Today NY21 witnessed shameful conduct by radical Far Left Democrat agitators who disgracefully attempted to drown out and silence a non-political event in Plattsburgh to honor the lifelong service of John Zurlo in Clinton County as the building was named in his honor. I was proud to deliver my remarks and privately give them to one of John's sons along with the Congressional Record presented to the Zurlo family previously," she said in the statement.

Signup for our newsletter

Press asks Stefanik about 115th Assembly GOP endorsement

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS