Tedisco’s Future
Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, indicated yesterday that he plans to stay on as minority leader as he campaigns for the 20th congressional district after receiving the GOP nomination.
But some members of his conference are wondering whether Tedisco will be able to do both jobs, especially as he’ll need to campaign in 10 counties over what may be several months before a special election, which Governor Paterson has yet to call. And some are already jockeying to succeed him.
Were Tedisco to step down as minority leader, Assemblyman Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, Ontario County, has already lined up enough votes to take over, several Republican leaders said.
Some Republican assemblymen said they’ve received calls from at least five of their colleagues lobbying for Tedisco’s job if he steps down as leader, including Kolb, Assemblymen Michael Fitzpatrick of Suffolk County and David Townsend of Oneida County.
Assemblyman Bill Reilich, R-Greece, Monroe County, said today that he supports Tedisco as long as he wants to be minority leader, but questioned whether he’ll want to continue in both jobs.
“When one runs for Congress it takes all your time and your effort and energy and obviously it could be a journey that could go on for, who knows how long, several months,” Reilich said. Also, he said, “we’re in the height of budget discussions and all the activity and hustle and bustle of the session.”
For his part, Kolb said: “Obviously I’m interested in succeeding Jim once he’s not our leader.”
Assemblyman Greg Ball, R-Patterson, Putnam County, said he supports Tedisco doing both jobs, saying, “Whatever Jim decides, I’m supportive of him.”
Tedisco, a former basketball star at Union College, said his colleagues have asked to him to stay as minority leader as he campaign for Congress.
“Obama had it right, the president had it right, you have to be a multi-tasker. And I’m a pretty good multi-tasker,” he said yesterday. “And I’m great on a fast break. I can get the outlet pass out, get down and even score the layup at the end.”
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I, for one, am a little bit tired of all this basketball star nonsense. Number one, he’s got a job to do, and it’s not basketball; and number two, Union College is not exactly Duke. Give it a rest.
Would you prefer baseball, an all american game?
Pitiful. Absolutely pitiful. And this clown is going to represent us in Congress.
Is there any truth to this business that Manning was involved with Dutchess County’s decision to back Tedisco? First Sweeney – now Manning!
My gosh, run for the hills.
Dave Townsend is the best qualified for Assembly GOP Leader. He’s a moderate Republican with a strong fiscal conservative streak. He’s serious about governing and understands how to voice the GOP’s concerns without embarrassing the GOP unlike the current leadership.
All these guys would make a good leader. The good news is that Tedisco will hopefully start the Republican comeback in New York when he retakes the congressional seat.
Tedisco couldn’t engineer a cup of coffee let alone a Republican comeback.
This proud Republican hopes he goes down in flames. Let the Dems keep the seat until a real Republican comes along, and somebody not connected to Sweeney.