Cahill Supports Constitutional Amendment to Allow For Special Elections to Fill Vacancies in Statewide Offices

January 14, 2009

In response to recent calls for a special election to fill the United States Senate seat soon to be vacated by Hillary Clinton, Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D- Ulster, Dutchess) has issued a statement regarding his proposed constitutional amendment (A.580 and A.581) that would allow for special elections in the event of a vacancy in a statewide office. Mr. Cahill first introduced this legislation in February of 2007 after the Legislature appointed Thomas DiNapoli to fill the vacancy in the Office of State Comptroller.

“I am a strong proponent for reforming the process by which New York fills vacancies for statewide offices but those changes cannot come about at the expense of the State Constitution,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “That is why in 2007, I introduced legislation that would amend the State Constitution to put the choice of filling a vacancy in a statewide office in the hands of the voters via a special election.”

“I have long believed the voters should be afforded every opportunity to choose their representatives in government,” said Mr. Cahill. “However, until that is the law, we must respect Governor Paterson and trust that he will make the best choice. Now is not the time for us to make hasty decisions that would disrupt the selection process.”

“The responsibility of choosing a United States Senator is enormous and it must be said that the Governor’s display of statesmanship has been exemplary,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “He has maintained the highest level of dignity and tact throughout this ordeal.”

“I look forward to a thoughtful and serious debate on the issue of special elections, but given all the political posturing that has surrounded this matter in recent days, I do not think it is possible or responsible to have that discussion until after the Governor makes his choice,” he concluded.

What's New