Sayward supports fellow Assemblywoman in bid for McHugh seat
State Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, R-Willsboro, said Tuesday that fellow Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava would have her support for a congressional bid if the Republican from Gouverneur decides to run for the seat to be vacated by U.S. Rep. John McHugh.
“I don’t believe she’s made any kind of huge announcement, but I know that some of us here in the chamber think she would make a great pick,” Sayward said in a telephone interview.
Essex County Republican Chairman Ron Jackson said Scozzafava would be an excellent candidate, but he is hopeful someone from Essex, Hamilton or Clinton counties would come forward, if for no other reason than to bring regional issues to the forefront in the selection process.
“I would hate to see a coronation. I would rahter see a contest,” he said.
President Obama, on Tuesday, announced his intention to nominate McHugh, R-Watertown, as secretary of the army.
The news brought widespread praise from elected officials and advocacy groups.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, said in a statement he will push for a “swift and smooth” confirmation of McHugh’s nomination.
“Two words that characterize John McHugh are class and service, and in his new job he will once again be able to do both,” Schumer said.
“As we work to chart a new direction in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Obama has selected an outstanding leader for the army’s top civilian post,” U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, said in a statement.
McHugh has served in the House since 1992, and is the ranking minority member on the House Armed Services Committee.
The congressional district he represents includes Hamilton County and part of Essex County.
“I would like to congratulate my neighbor to the north … on his appointment as secretary of the army,” new U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy, D-Glens Falls, said in a statement. “It has been a pleasure working with him during my first five weeks on the Armed Services Committee.”
State Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, said McHugh has been a valued friend.
“While I am going to miss having him represent and serve our region, I am looking forward to seeing him serve our entire nation,” she said in a statement.
“I am so happy about John McHugh,” Sayward said. “You know he has been so responsive, not only to me but to other local elected officials.”
The Adirondack Council, an environmental group, said in a press release that McHugh “has been a good friend” to the Adirondack Park, particularly on acid rain issues.
Scozzafava hopefully will not get the chance to run for Congress, she has never in her tenure at the state level took care of her district and before she left the village of Gouverneur as mayor, screwed the poor village up so much they will never recover.