Yesterday's General Election
September 16th, 2009
In the one election Tuesday in which everyone — not just registered Democrats or Republicans — could vote, Democrat Michael Miller defeated Republican Donna Marie Caltabiano to win the State Assembly seat from the 38th district in Queens. The post — representing Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, Glendale, Maspeth, Ridgewood and Middle Village — became vacant when State Assemblymember Anthony Seminerio pleaded guilty to bribery charges.
Gov. David Paterson paved the way for Miller’s victory when he called a special election for Sept. 15. Under New York laws, that ruled out a primary, letting the party leaders — not voters — pick the nominees. Originally five Democrats, including Miller, had been preparing for a primary.
With the primary off and with Democrats having an edge in the city — an edge increased yesterday because, with three citywide primaries in their party, Democrats were more likely to vote than Republicans — Miller had a decisive advantage. He will go into future elections as an incumbent, if the usual pattern holds, he can look forward to a long tenure in Albany.
Miller’s road to the capital is nothing unusual. According to figures compiled in 2007 by Citizens Union Foundation (which publishes Gotham Gazette), 32 percent of the current members of the State Assembly and 29 percent of state senators first won their seats in a special election.
By Gail Robinson on September 16, 2009, 7:40 amIn category: Albany, Electoral Politics, Eye on Albany, Gotham City, Governing | No Comments »
