Local Senator Jim Seward Signs Letter of Support for Majority Leader Dean Skelos

16 Republican NYS Senators signed a letter in support of embattled Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos on Wednesday, just after 11 p.m..

They included local State Senator James Seward of Oneonta who represents a portion of the Greater Utica area.  Seward represents Oneonta, Cortland, Cooperstown and portions of the Valley in Herkimer County.

Seward, along with the other members said,

“We strongly believe that Senator Dean Skelos should remain on as Majority Leader of the New York State Senate,” they said. “He has the leadership we need to move the Senate forward so that we can continue to do the people’s work and finish out this year’s session in a productive manner.”

 

Skelos was charged with federal corruption on Monday along with his son.  He maintains that he is innocent.

On Wednesday, Democrats asked for a vote to remove Skelos from his leadership position until the matter is resolved.  Republicans refused to allow the bill to come up for a vote.  Democrats and some Republicans are calling for Skelos to step aside.