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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 11, 2017
August 11, 2017
CONTACT:
DLCC Stands With New York Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
In The Face Of Attacks Against Leader Stewart-Cousins, DLCC Underscores Support For Board Member
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Jessica Post defended New York Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins after reprehensible attacks on her record. Leader Stewart-Cousins is the rightful leader of the New York Senate but eight turncoat Democrats, known as the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), have taken committee leadership positions and extra stipends from Republicans in exchange for their loyalty. By caucusing with Republicans, the IDC has blocked Stewart-Cousins from taking her historic position as the first African-American woman to lead the New York Senate and derailed many bills to advance progressive policies in New York.
Governor Cuomo has remained on the sidelines while the IDC hijacks the legislature, and now one of the Governor’s donors, Daniel Loeb, has made a shameful racial attack against Stewart-Cousins. Loeb is a frequent contributor to Republicans – and the IDC – and recently contributed more than $50,000 to U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.
“DLCC stands with our Board member and rightful leader of the New York Senate Andrea Stewart-Cousins,” said Post. “Leader Stewart-Cousins has an infallible record of standing up for New Yorkers and this attack on her record and her personhood will not stand. The DLCC calls on Governor Cuomo to return all donations from this misguided individual and defend the rightful leader of the New York Senate. It is time for the governor to take a stand and demand the IDC return to the Democratic caucus and put this nonsense to an end for the sake of his constituents.”
Leader Stewart-Cousins is a highly-respected leader dedicated to solving problems and has been lauded by colleagues and constituents alike for her approach leadership. She was a strong voice in calling out Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders for privately negotiating an omnibus bill behind closed doors and called on them to “Stop wasting time, stop wasting taxpayer dollars…and do the things that people sent us here to do.” She has fought for better education opportunities for all New Yorkers, called on the Legislature to address climate change after President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, worked to protect voting rights, and more.
DLCC will not allow a defamation of Leader Stewart-Cousins’ record and we will continue to fight for a united Democratic New York Senate. DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post can be reached for comment by contacting Alexandra Weinroth at [email protected]. Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins can be reached for comment by contacting Mike Murphy at [email protected].
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