(Madison County, NY – Jan. 23, 2015) Madison County Republican Committee Chairman Todd Rouse pressed Democrat Assemblyman Bill Magee to immediately call on Sheldon Silver to resign as Assembly Speaker following his arrest on Thursday. A longtime supporter and friend of Silver, Magee and his Assembly Democrat colleagues yesterday placed full faith and confidence in Silver to continue in his leadership post. Rouse was stunned that Magee could continue to defend someone who first couldn’t dodge damaging headlines and now federal bribery charges.
Silver has been under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and attorneys from the federal prosecutor’s office for allegedly using political influence in exchange for lucrative payments.
“Bill Magee has continually defended Sheldon Silver, who is the epitome of corruption in Albany. When he had an opportunity to make a clean break, Bill Magee once again showed his true colors and chose to support him as Assembly Speaker,” said Rouse. “Bill Magee and his colleagues said that Silver’s arrest and trial won’t be a distraction and won’t derail budget talks. But, on day one of budget discussions and negotiations, session was cancelled and the doors to the Assembly were locked.
“It’s more evident than ever that Silver is unfit and incapable of serving as speaker, and it’s time for Bill Magee to cut his entrenched ties with the most corrupt man in state government and call for him to immediately step down as speaker.”
In December 2014, it was reported that U.S. Attorneys were investigating Silver for failing to report outside income. Additionally, Silver’s scheduled deposition in the federal lawsuit brought by two sexual harassment victims of Vito Lopez was postponed, igniting speculation that a settlement in the case was being considered. Silver was first elected to the state Assembly in 1976 and has served as its speaker since 1994.