Mirch reflects on election defeat

TROY - The Rensselaer County Legislature on Election Day lost one of its most vocal and controversial leaders -- Bob Mirch.

It came as a big surprise. Longtime Rensselaer County lawmakers Mirch and Neil Kelleher did not win re-election.

Mirch has been a high-profile leader for years.

He is now relaxing in his North Troy neighborhood. He says last night came as a great relief to him and he's ready to put his feet up and enjoy a break.

Mirch, who has been in the Legislature for 16 years, did not win a seat.

He's is a political veteran. He campaigns hard and has been a vocal critic of the Democrats.

This year the Republican uncovered discrepancies with absentee ballots for the Working Families Party. Then came allegations of Democratic involvement in a voter fraud and forgery scandal.

A judge threw out 38 disputed ballots.

A special prosecutor has been assigned to the case and the investigation is ongoing.

Many felt that would have a huge impact on the election, but Democrats retained control of the City Council and Mirch was among those who were voted out.

"I think people in Troy didn't understand the voter fraud scandal because at this point, it's just an issue and I feel that they felt that we were running a negative campaign when in fact, in reality, we were running a factual campaign. That's what blew up on us," he aid.

Mirch will also be retiring as Troy commissioner of Public Works by the end of the year.