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McMurray says Collins won't be able to serve constituents while awaiting trial in 2020

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Nate McMurray, Democrat and Working Families Party Congressional candidate in NY-27, today responded to news that his opponent, indicted member of Congress Chris Collins won’t stand trial until 2020. Collins was indicted on charges of insider trading and lying to the FBI in August.

“Now it’s official, Chris Collins will be beholden to his defense attorneys for the next year and a half, not the voters, not the hard-working people of Western New York, but his lawyers," McMurray said.

"He won’t just be a part-time, he’ll be a no-time Congressman. This is shocking and truly embarrassing to the people of Western New York. I’m out talking to voters every day and they tell me that they deserve better. They’re right.

“House Speaker Paul Ryan has stripped Collins of all of his committee assignments in Congress. He won’t help the people of this region. He can’t help the people of this region. He never did. There couldn’t be a clearer contrast in this race. He will not let go of his congressional seat until this trial is over, or until the voters take it from him. They will.”

This morning, McMurray stood shoulder-to-shoulder with more than 100 activists and supporters from the labor community who pledged to work to get McMurray elected on Nov. 6. They praised his integrity, work ethic and commitment to the values that help the working men and women of this region.

McMurray was endorsed by New York’s Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, the last Democrat to win this district and a great champion of Western New York./p>

McMurray'’s rally with working people comes a day after he announced polling that shows a dead heat between himself and Collins. Earlier this week, McMurray’s campaign announced he raised close to a half million dollars in the third quarter with the vast majority of that money coming in the seven weeks following Collins’ indictment – and that total does not include any corporate PAC money.

Daniel Norstrand

Are you going to run daily press releases for this guy? Starting to look like free campaign ads. Aren't those illegal? Coupled with the ban on Collins "press releases" ...

Oct 12, 2018, 1:16am Permalink
Tim Miller

Howard and Billie have stated very clearly, to TheBatavian readers and Rep. Collins, what the rules are for this site. If Collins fails to act, his PR will not be printed.

Let's put it this way.. TheBatavian publishes PR from any candidate, as long as that candidate gives TheBatavian an opportunity to ask about that PR. If you want a pure PR machine, then by all means let Collins PR be published here with no opportunity to be questioned.

Keep up the good work, Howard and Billie!

Oct 12, 2018, 9:30am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

If you think Collins press releases should appear on The Batavian perhaps you should call his office and tell him to fix the problem. The ball is in his court.

Oct 12, 2018, 9:49am Permalink
Daniel Norstrand

The refusal to give an interview, which I believe dates to before collins indictment, is troubling for sure. I have no interest in promoting Collins but with the obvious imbalance of coverage, the impartial eye should make every effort to maintain the appearance of impartiality. The daily bowel movements of a campaign is hardly news and looks more like self aggrandizing and campaigning. While never missing the opportunity to bash the opponent. Hardly news.

Oct 12, 2018, 9:51am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Daniel, your personal view of what is or isn't news is neither here nor there. I've been doing this for 30 years and have become inured to individual cries of "this isn't news." It's a meaningless phrase. We print it, it's news. Period.

There was never a problem in getting an interview with Collins before the indictment. He made it clear I was one of the few reporters he appreciated talking to us because I ask informed questions and he appreciated the challenge.

Our policy will not change. Collins must submit to an interview if he and his supporters want his campaign press released on The Batavian. Don't like it? Call him. The ball is in his court. Complaining about it here will get you nowhere.

Oct 12, 2018, 10:01am Permalink
Daniel Norstrand

I did take your advice Howard, (sort of) I called Larry Piegza to alert him to the unbelievable missed opportunity this situation offers his campaign. I was very disappointed to get a recording. Not much of a campaign I'm afraid. Sad.

Oct 12, 2018, 10:10am Permalink
bud prevost

Daniel, as Larry is not a pro politician like MacMurray, or a crooked businessman who has millions of questionable dollars, I bet he was at work today. I hope you left a message, and I really hope he calls you back.

Oct 12, 2018, 4:01pm Permalink

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