Republicans in the State Senate are firing back after being criticized this week over what some say is a broken campaign promise. NY1's Bobby Cuza filed the following report.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was a popular target this week, branded a deceiver by editorial writers, and singled out by former mayor Ed Koch for reneging on his promise to reform the state’s once-a-decade redistricting process.
"I’m very disappointed that he’s withdrawn his commitment. Most people don’t do that in politics," Koch told reporters Tuesday.
Last July, Skelos signed a pledge to support an independent, non-partisan redistricting commission. A bill submitted by Governor Andrew Cuomo would create just that, but Skelos now won’t support it.
He said this week he is still reviewing constitutional concerns with the bill.
At issue: Cuomo would appoint some members of a nominations committee that would select a pool of candidates for the commission. Constitutional law expert and former Cuomo advisor Jerry Goldfeder says he doesn’t see a problem since the legislature still has final say over whatever plan the commission comes up with.
"The governor’s involvement in the initial phases of this process doesn’t infringe upon the ultimate legislative authority. That’s what's called for in the constitution, and that continues to exist," Goldfeder said.
Skelos also says Cuomo’s bill favors Democrats by a six-to-two margin.
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Originally Posted by Novaheart
