Statement from Senator George Borrello on Legislation to Allow for Removal of Brian Benjamin from the Ballot

“On the heels of a court decision finding the Legislature’s Democrat majorities unconstitutionally rigged the redistricting process to favor their party, today’s follow up act was just as brazen. In order to make way for a new hand-picked candidate, one-party-rule forced through a measure to change state election law to allow for the removal of Brian Benjamin from the June 28 Democratic primary ballot. Their actions are egregiously unethical and exemplify the type of craven schemes that have undermined the public’s confidence in government.   

“State law allows candidates for lieutenant governor to run and win independently from candidates for governor in the primary. There are two additional candidates for lieutenant governor on the ballot who have adhered to the law, worked to secure the needed signatures and who offer voters viable alternatives. There is no justification for allowing party bosses to manipulate the process, just weeks from the primary election. A recent poll showed that a majority of New Yorkers feel the state is going in the wrong direction. Today’s actions will only provide them further confirmation.”