Special Election Set to Replace Convicted Rep. Grimm

ALBANY (AP) —

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday scheduled a special election for May 5 to replace Republican Rep. Michael Grimm, who resigned after pleading guilty to tax evasion.

Cuomo’s announcement came days after a federal judge ordered him to set the date by noon Friday in a lawsuit brought by voters in the district, which comprises Staten Island and a slice of Brooklyn.

Republican Party leaders have chosen Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan as their congressional candidate. Donovan, the borough’s top prosecutor since 2004, led the grand jury investigation into the death of Eric Garner that resulted in no charges.

Donovan said he won’t take a leave of office to run.

“We must have a representative in Congress who will fight for our transportation needs, continuing Sandy recovery and ensuring our city is protected from terrorism,” Donovan said.

Democratic Party leaders have interviewed potential candidates and are expected to announce their choice early this week. Three in contention are Councilman Vincent Gentile and Assemblyman William Colton, both from Brooklyn, and Robert Holst of Staten Island, an electrician active in union politics.

To Read The Full Story

Are you already a subscriber?
Click to log in!