Banker will stage a second run on Tim Gordon’s seat
Steve McLaughlin’s hoping the second time’s the charm.
After failing in 2008 to unseat Tim Gordon, I-Bethlehem, from his position in the state Assembly, the Republican announced on Tuesday, May 11, he would again seek to represent the 108th district.
In a later interview, the business banking officer said he has all but secured the blessing of GOP leadership in the district and intends to build upon his previous effort, taking advantage of what he sees is a developing voter backlash.
At the end of the day we were outspent nearly 10-to-1, and we still did second best of any Republican in the state, he said of the last election. `The winds have shifted around completely. You can see the anger in the public right now.`
Saying state government has suffered a `complete meltdown` in the past two years, McLaughlin said he’s confident voters will identify two-term term incumbent Gordon as part of the problem.
`The only thing the guy knows how to do is how to go down to Albany and spend our money,` he said. `Take a look at his record, and if you’re happy with the direction of the state, Tim’s your guy.`
Gordon, on the other hand, said his record is exactly why he will secure another victory over McLaughlin.
`I certainly am proud of what I have been able to accomplish here during what has been a difficult time in the state economy and national economy,` he said. `I think I have kept my promises.`
Gordon also defended himself against McLaughlin’s assertion he is in lockstep with Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, and other Assembly Democrats.
`It’s a tired out argument, seeking to connect me with my downstate colleagues for no other purpose but to try to create division between fellow New Yorkers,` he said. `I’m more interested in bringing people together than creating division.`
A former commercial aviator, McLaughlin now works for Citizens Bank. He and his wife Maggie, who works as a teacher, reside in Melrose with their two sons.
McLaughlin said if he had to vote on the recent controversial extender bill that included furloughs to state workers, he would likely have cast a `no` vote, like Gordon did. The two expressed similar thoughts about the latest crisis in state finances, saying government payroll should be culled from the top down.
`The state work force needs to shrink. It is far, far too large,` McLaughlin said. `However, I do not want to see people making $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 a year, thrown out on the street.`
`I had several major concerns with the furloughs,` said Gordon. `That it essentially targeted some workers who were making $27,000 or $30,000 a year, while the state continues to use a number of rather high priced consultants who were not being furloughed.`
As of the most recent count, voter registration in the 108th was roughly split between Democrats and Republicans, at just over 25,000 voters each. About as many have no affiliation, and nearly 10,000 others are registered in a third party.“
