Monroe and Liv. Co. Republicans Split as Drama Builds in Race for 133rd NYS Assembly Seat

MONROE COUNTY — The battle for the New York State 133rd Assembly Seat just became a political powder keg as Monroe County Republicans endorsed 133rd Assemblyman Joseph Errigo.

In a bid for the Republican Committee endorsement three counties make up a weighted percentage of the district. Livingston County carries 48 percent of the vote, Monroe County carries 35 percent of the vote and Steuben county carries 17 percent of the vote. As it sits right now Livingston County choose Marjorie Byrnes and Monroe County choose Errigo. Insiders speculate that Errigo will capture Steuben County.

“Livingston County voters support Joe Errigo,” said Bill Reilich, Monroe County Republican Party Chair.  “The people that voted in that room didn’t vote as the representatives of the County.”

There was a similar situation in 2012 where Richard Burke won the Livingston County endorsement and Bill Nojay won the Monroe County endorsement, in that race Steuben County choose not to endorse a candidate. Nojay would go on to win that election, and just before his term was over he was involved in a corruption scandal that led to his suicide.

“I made a decision not to place my name in nomination in Monroe County. It was my understanding that pledges of support were given to Mr. Errigo before the strength of my candidacy was known,” stated Byrnes. “I respect Bill Reilick and his committees. I look forward to meeting with him in the future.”

At the conclusion of the Livingston County Committee endorsement the Republicans approved a new change in the bylaws for Livingston County Republican Committee members which now allows for them to vote anonymously as opposed to publicly proclaiming who they are voting for.

According to Reilich, if Stueben County Republican committee members endorse Errigo it will be difficult for Byrnes to win.

“She would become the challenger in every sense of the word,” said Reilich. “She would be going up against an incumbent and the endorsement of the Republican Committee.”

On May 24th the Livingston County Conservative Party will meet with candidates to decide on an endorsement, they function on a similar weighted vote system as the Republicans. No word yet from the Democrats Party on a potential candidate.

At this time, it is not know if the candidates will take the matter to a primary or step aside.