Dems delay of Stefanik special election a hypocritical threat to democracy

Democrats are quick to label President Trump and other Republicans as “threats to democracy,” but their latest proposal in New York poses a far more concrete threat to the democratic process.Gov.Kathy Hochul, prodded behind the scenes by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, is weighing a measure that would extend the timeline for special elections — just days before New York Republican Rep.

Elise Stefanik vacates her seat to become ambassador to the United Nations.The idea is to give a Democrat a better shot at replacing her while stymieing House Republicans — and it’s wrong.A century-old law directs the governor of New York to call a special election within 10 days of any congressional vacancy, with the vote to be held 70 to 80 days later.But the state Legislature’s sudden proposed change would stretch both the time to call the special election and the voting window, potentially delaying the vote until June or even November — and leaving Stefanik’s North Country district without representation for months.By merging special elections with regularly scheduled contests and lengthening the campaign timeline, Democrats think they can boost turnout and gain additional time to organize and fundraise, an advantage not only in this impending race but in future special elections as well.Jeffries personally lobbied Hochul and top state legislators to change the law — expressly to deprive House Republicans of a crucial vote.With Stefanik’s confirmation expected this week and the seats of Florida’s Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz now vacant, the GOP faces a razor-thin 217–215 majority.By delaying a special election in a reliably Republican district, Hochul and her allies appear intent on stalling Trump’s House agenda — an ironic move for those who claim to defend democracy.Rockland County Rep.Mike Lawler called the proposed delay “an outrageous abuse of power” that exposed Democratic hypocrisy — and even urged the Justice Department to open a ...