A day after a stinging re-election loss, Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer (D-East Shore/Brooklyn) had yet to call to offer congratulations to her soon-to-be-successor, Republican Nicole Malliotakis.
"I have not heard from her," said the assemblywoman-elect. "I do welcome the opportunity to sit down and meet with her to plan a successful transition."
This after Ms. Hyer-Spencer was a no-show at the Democrats' election night gathering at the Staaten, West Brighton, a disappearing act that only served to remind observers of her reputation for being "missing in action" as a lawmaker.
"That's why she lost," said one Dem. "That pattern of not being there."
A GOP campaign veteran called the no-show "classless."
"You at least have to thank your voters and your volunteers," he said.
Not only was Ms. Hyer-Spencer absent from the Staaten, but none of her campaign signs could be seen among the other banners, bunting and balloons that night.
Ms. Hyer-Spencer has not responded to Advance e-mail and voicemail queries to talk about the race, beginning on election night. A worker at her Midland Beach district office said she was not expected in yesterday, and she was not there when an Advance reporter stopped by.
Borough Democratic chairman John Gulino could not be reached for comment.
Her Democratic Albany colleagues yesterday said they hadn't spoken to Ms. Hyer-Spencer since the defeat, and were giving her some room.
"As a colleague and a friend, I want to give her time alone to gather her thoughts," said Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore.).
"I'm sure she was disappointed in the outcome and wasn't ready to speak to her supporters, who were disappointed too," said state Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn). "It's a rough moment. I'm sure she will reach out at some point."
As for the future, some in Island circles yesterday speculated that Ms. Hyer-Spencer, a close ally of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, could land a job in Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo's administration. Cuomo came to the Island in the campaign's closing weeks to do a one-on-one endorsement with Ms. Hyer-Spencer.
A judgeship is another possibility for Ms. Hyer-Spencer, an attorney, one observer suggested.
Ms. Malliotakis defeated Ms. Hyer-Spencer 55 percent to 45 percent. Her victory means that the Island's six-person Albany delegation is again evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
It is the first time the GOP has held the East Shore/Brooklyn seat since Matthew Mirones left the Assembly at the end of 2006.
Enes, next time just attach the link! This was really long!
ReplyDeleteGood job though!
ReplyDeleteI Know Right. I Didn't Post A Link Either But Hopefully It Doesn't Affect Our Grades Right.
ReplyDelete