Press Release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) recently announced that he will not seek election in the 26th Congressional District. Hawley instead will continue his duties as an assemblyman in the 139th District.
“I have been truly inspired by the outpouring of support I have received from constituents, friends and colleagues regarding a potential run for the United States House of Representatives in the 26th Congressional District,” Hawley said. “Furthermore, the parallels and comparisons I have received to former Rep. Barber Conable Jr. from members of the community have been nothing short of humbling.
"However, after careful consideration, I have decided to forgo a run for Congress and remain in the New York State Assembly, representing my home -- the 139th Assembly District. There may be another day and another time for me to seek such office, but today is not that day and now is not that time.”
“Throughout my time in the Assembly, I have held myself to a core set of principles that continue to propel me through my life of public service,” Hawley said. “From lowering property taxes, attracting and retaining business in Western New York, and supporting and honoring our proud veterans to protecting the viability of New York’s number one industry, agriculture, I have fought day in and day out to meet the needs of my district.
"However, there is still much work left to be done in order to right New York’s ship. That is why I feel it is important for me to continue my role in the state Assembly. There is simply so much more to accomplish right here in our own community.”
On withdrawing his name from the running, Hawley announced his support for Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R, C, I – Clarence), who represents the 142nd District. Hawley and Corwin have been colleagues in the Assembly minority since 2008.
“It is without hesitation that I endorse Assemblywoman Jane Corwin for the 26th Congressional District,” Hawley said. “Assemblywoman Corwin has shown tireless dedication in representing her constituents and shares many of the same common-sense, pro-business principles that I have made a priority in the state Assembly.
"Assemblywoman Corwin and I were the only two representatives to earn perfect scores on Unshackle Upstate’s 2009-10 Legislative Scorecards, which rate the voting records of all 212 state legislators regarding bills that would support the health and growth of New York’s economy. I take great pride in endorsing my friend and colleague as our next representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Funny how Hawley was all
Funny how Hawley was all excited at the thought of running. He stated that, and the fact that he was convinced he could raise the money needed for a successful campaign.
Then, just hours after meeting with the republican "powers that be" he withdraws and throws his support to the pre-ordained Erie county candidate.
Coincidence? I think not.
I used to like thinking we had an independent voice in Albany that was not afraid to resist the "politics as usual" that has brought this state to it's knees.
Apparently, I was very, very wrong. This reversal indicates he's just another "yes" man - a fact I will remember on election day.
I think next time Hawley is up for re-election I may just cast a write in vote for Joanne Rock.
Clearly, Corwin has at least
Clearly, Corwin has at least the Erie County and Niagara County votes locked up. That's 51 percent of the votes needed for the GOP nomination (Monroe is probably going for Corwin, too). Without the GOP backing, Hawley, nor anybody else, could raise the funds necessary to run. Say what you will about lack of independence, but it would be political suicide to run as a Republican against a nominated/selected candidate.
It would be great if some maverick from Orleans, Genesee or Wyoming counties would rise up and represent our interests in an election like this, but such a person would be a long-shot at best to actually win the seat.
Bob, Erie and Niagara
Bob,
Erie and Niagara Counties are the major players in this Congressional district; they are the vast majority of the population. It was clear from day one, they would be the ones who make the pick. It was also clear from day one this seat is never going to be held by anyone outside of that area unless that person has enough personal wealth to run a primary or an independent campaign.
Watch, the same thing will take place with the Democrats.
Again, whoever it is will
Again, whoever it is will have 1 term and then no more district to represent. Maybe Steve was thinking about that as well.
Dave, Someone will have to
Dave,
Someone will have to represent the areas, there is no reason to think that the 26th district seat holder couldn't win their primary in a new district.
Unfortunately, John, you are
Unfortunately, John, you are 100% correct. That's why I referred to Corwin as "pre-ordained".
My view of Hawley, and his actions here remain the same. He was excited about running and ALMOST announced his candidacy. Then yesterday's meeting and he immediately reverses and attempts to cover his being just another political pawn with the above press release.
Political suicide? Probably. Given his early comments on the issue, I thought we may actually have a representative that was willing to put principles above future political aspirations.
Silly me.
Steve Hawley was only one of
Steve Hawley was only one of about 15 people who said they would be interested. Locally, he is the one we heard the most about. Some of the others are State Senator Maziarz and the Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks. Are you saying they all have committed political suicide? Really? Had they tried to run without enough money, that would be suicide. And money is what it has come down to in a special election.
John , you are right on this
John , you are right on this . Unfortunatly money is the power ,not the brains . We need brains , not money , and this is why the system is broke . It starts local and goes all the way to the top .Bullshit walks and money talks .
Bob, Steve Hawley doesn't
Bob, Steve Hawley doesn't deserve that kind of abuse. The process for selecting a candidate in a special election takes the power out of the hands of interested people and puts it in the hands of the county chairs.
I'm not political science scholar, but my assumption would be that the process is set up this way to avoid expensive primaries (expensive for the districts, not just the candidates) and, more importantly to expedite the election so citizens of the district get their representation back as soon as possible.
Assemblyman Hawley probably recognized that his chances for selection were slim due to a variety of reasons, probably money and name recognition rather than legislative ability, and chose to withdraw his name from consideration.
Pragmatism is not political suicide.
I don't know much about
I don't know much about Corwin. She is in the Buffalo News now and then, but I don't read that newspaper often. She might be a genius for all I know. But she is independently wealthy and that's not always bad. She does not have to make deals to get money.
When you have an area as big as a Congressional district, crossing multiple county lines, you need money to let people outside your local community know who you are. A great recent example was Chris Barons. He worked hard to get elected, but without money to even buy signs, there were just too many people who didn't know who he was.
Guys, I was simply referring
Guys, I was simply referring to Howard's statement of committing political suicide if Hawley HAD chosen to run!
On the contrary, I am faulting Hawley for choosing the safe route of submitting to the power brokers in the party as opposed to doing what he feels would be best for western NY. That old forgotten concept of "to thine own self be true".
Chris: How is stating my viewpoint abuse of the Assemblyman? Or are you just saying one should not state their opinion? Go ahead and support Hawley. That is your right, as it is mine to not. I lost respect for him in this situation. Maybe its the voter that was "abused".
Many writers on this particular subject seem to be satisfied with good old NY politics as usual - don't buck the system - conform or be punished. How's that working out for you? Then in other comments, the same writers are harsh critics of the same system of closed door political wrangling.
You can't have it both ways, friends.
Bob,I think even a person
Bob,I think even a person with limited political knowledge of the other candidates, might understand that once finding out that there are stronger candidates with much more financial means would change the mind of someone who would have to raise a substantial amount of money, and knowing that he would loose this election,though being very excited at the thought of running would have to reconsider once being told by his party that it would be inconceivable for him to win,so stepping aside and saving all that money raised to no avail would seem to be the most knowledgeable thing to do politics are what they are.And besides Mr.Hawley is a voice better heard in albany at the present time.No matter your political affiliation a local voice is just that, "local"!