|
|
|
|
|
|
McDonald drops out of state Senate race; backs Marchione
Posted at: 09/27/2012 10:37 AM
| Updated at: 09/27/2012 5:28 PM
By: Mark Mulholland
|
|
|
|
ALBANY – Roy McDonald's not talking tonight. But what he said the day after the primary, might have been foreshadowing to today's announcement.
"I'm fed up with politics," Sen. McDonald, R- Saratoga, said Sept. 14.
McDonald withdrew from the race Thursday, issuing a statement at about 11:30 this morning saying,
"After discussing the issue with family, friends, campaign staff and trusted advisors, I've decided that I will not actively campaign in the General Election on the Independence Party line."
McDonald implied that he's stepping aside for the good of the party, "I will be supporting all Republican candidates - including Kathy Marchione - in the General Election."
"It was hard fought primary. We both did what we felt was right and now we go back being friends as we were for 20 years," said Marchione Thursday afternoon.
McDonald's statement said his decision to step aside didn't come easy.
It was "made through significant reflection. I am very proud of my time in public service. I have been a Senator for all people."
All people even when it was politically unpopular. McDonald crossed party lines to vote in favor of the Democratic governor's proposal to legalize same-sex marriage.
A vote that endeared him to the governor, but alienated some Republicans.
"I think he did the right thing and the honorable thing and I think that should be applauded. I think that should be supported by his constituents," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
"Roy did a lot of good things. Did he have some problems, yeah. And obviously no one's perfect," said Jasper Nolan, long-time chairman of the Saratoga County Republican Committee.
Marchione, and the Democratic candidate for the 43rd Senate Robin Andrews released statements Thursday following McDonald's statement. Marchione's, McDonald's, and Andrew's statements are available below:
WNYT welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the rules of conduct set forth in our Terms of Use. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Use.
