Dean Skelos isn’t going down quietly:
“Since being charged with six counts of federal of federal corruption Monday, Republican Senate Majority Dean Skelos has not only maintained his innocence but refused to consider calls from some of his colleagues that he step aside from his leadership role. On Tuesday, he was defiant in telling reporters he will remain as majority leader, and now, sources tell NY1 that Skelos is all but holding himself hostage politically, threatening to resign his seat if fellow Republicans try to force him out …”
Fuck that. Resign and see if anyone cares.
“… If Skelos reisgns from the Senate, Republican lose their numeric majority. Thirty-two seats are needed to control the chamber. If Skelos resigns, they would have just 31 … With Skelos gone, Republicans would be forced to make a deal with either the Democrats or the five-member Independent Democratic Conference, who they formed a coalition with the last two sessions in 2013 …”
Cutting deals with Democrats has been the hallmark of Skelos’ leadership tenure, from passing SAFE to screwing Rob Astorino.
“… “The New York Republican Party is a minority party,” [Republican consultant Bill O’Reilly] said. “It needs to be two things in order to survive in New York State. It has to be a party of principle, and it has to be a party of reform. And right now, it’s neither.” …”
Exactly.