Gregg Levine at Firedoglake has two intriguing posts up about the latest developments in the NY-20 race, the ramifications of which we’re still parsing through over here. Gregg writes, “The Dutchess County Clerk’s Office has confirmed to FDL that Tedisco’s people have filed an ex parte motion in order, the effect of which would be to investigate and overturn today’s election results, should the outcome not be to Republicans’ liking.”
Peculiar! Here’s a link the filing. One key section Gregg cites reads:
Ordering the respondent New York State Board of Elections and the Commissioners thereof to certify the name of James Tedisco as elected to the public office of Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 20th Congressional District, in Dutchess, New York, at the Special Election held therefor on the 31st Day of March, 2009, or alternatively enjoining the improper issuance of a certificate of election for the said public office.
It’s unclear whether this is a major development, or a procedural maneuver that will go nowhere. We’re trying to get more information and context–New York state election law turns out to be rather complicated! I’ve placed calls to the Murphy campaign, the DCCC, and the New York State Democratic party, and nobody seems to know what to make of this just yet. Perhaps significantly Jim Tedisco spokesman Adam Kramer writes to say that the motion was filed in the New York State Supreme Court by the state Republican party, and not by the Tedisco campaign.
We’ll post updates as they come in.
