GOP Chairman Urges Magee

To State Position On Silver

COOPERSTOWN – Otsego County Republican Chairman Vince Casale today called on Assemblyman Bill Magee to make his position known on whether he still supports indicted Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

“Since Silver’s arrest on corruption charges last week, Assemblyman Magee has been a steadfast supporter of Speaker Silver.  Now that several Assembly Democrats from all parts of the state have done the right thing and stood up against the culture of corruption that Shelly Silver has created, its only right for Assemblyman Magee to let his constituents where he stands,” Casale said.

Casale continued by saying there are two questions that need to be answered the Assemblyman:
1) Do you still support Speaker Sheldon Silver?
2) What role did you play in the 4-hour long closed door meeting that resulted in a majority of democrats calling for Silver to resign his leadership post?

Casale concluded that, “Assemblyman Magee’s constituents deserve to know if he still supports Speaker Silver, whom he has voted for 21 times for Speaker.  Also, as a 24-year incumbent, what role did veteran lawmaker play, if any, in the decision to recommend Silver step down?  Was he a leading voice in the recommendation to step down?  Did he advocate for Silver to continue?  Was he silent?”

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