Delegate and Committemember Elections, Smooth Leadership Transition for Republicans
Republican leadership and grassroots supporters from across the state today gathered at the New York Republican State Committee meeting in Albany to complete their delegate slate to the National Convention, elect National and State Committeemembers and conduct Party business in a great spirit of unity. Coupled with the leadership transition within the Senate, State Chairman Joseph N. Mondello was optimistic about the future of the Republican Party and the State of New York.
“With the display of unity within the political structure at our meeting and the smooth passing of the Republican torch from Senator Joe Bruno to Senator Dean Skelos and his new Deputy Majority Leader Thomas Libous occurring at the Capitol, I see tremendous cause for optimism for our Party,” said Chairman Mondello.“We have the best ideas for how to address the challenges New Yorkers face, and we are all working as a team. This is going to be a great year for Republicans and New Yorkers across the board.”
New York Republican State Committee today voted to finalize the New York delegation at the Republican National Convention by electing eleven at large delegates and eleven at large alternate delegates. Additionally, the Executive Committee elected replacements for eight delegates and eighteen alternates from the original slate who will be unable to attend the convention.
Delegates submitted by the McCain campaign for the original slate were given a June 23rd deadline to respond expressing their commitment to attending the convention. Individuals unable to attend the convention are replaced by a vote of the Republican State Committee’s Executive Committee in accordance with Party bylaws.
“By completing our delegation for the national convention, the Republican Party continues to strengthen and unify our party from John McCain right down to the grassroots supporter on the streets,” said Chairman Joseph N. Mondello. “From Erie and Oswego through Queens and Suffolk Counties and everywhere in between, we have filled New York’s delegate slate with a regionally diverse list of individuals who have served the Republican Party faithfully in a wide variety of capacities.”
“We worked closely with the McCain campaign, our County Chairs, elected officials and supporters to ensure a slate that reflects the breadth and depth of the New York Republican Party,” said Chairman Mondello. “With this step successfully accomplished as a team, we are optimistic about addressing the many opportunities and challenges that face us this fall.”
The State Committee voted to reelect Jennifer Saul Yaffa, who also serves as the Chair of New York County, as the National Committeewoman. Lawrence Kadish was elected to fill the National Committeeman seat, which was previous held by Alexander “Sandy” Treadwell. Mr. Treadwell decided not to run for reelection as National Committeeman to focus his efforts in seeking the 20th Congressional District seat, but he will fulfill remainder of his term as Committeeman.
The State Committee also acted to fill several State Committee seats and included in the Party bylaws provisions recognizing a newly created thirteenth judicial district, which had previously been added into state statute.
“Our meeting took place against the backdrop of an orderly transition in leadership at the highest elected levels of our party. While we are all deeply saddened to see Joe Bruno retiring from the ranks of public servants, we are encouraged that true professionals like Dean Skelos and Thomas Libous will be adding their energy and dedication to our State in an even greater capacity. Working together, we can look forward to great success as a Party and as a State,” concluded Mondello.
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