Gibson weighs campaign for governor
U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson has announced creation of a formal committee to explore the possibility of a run for governor of New York, but still says a final decision won’t be made until the end of the year, after he completes his congressional term.
Gibson, R-Kinderhook, announced in early 2015 that he would not seek reelection this year to a fourth two-year term in Congress and was considering a run for statewide office.
Gibson told members of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce in January that he felt “a sense of duty and calling for the people of New York.”
In a statement Monday announcing formation of the committee, Gibson stated, “My travels have made clear that people across this state — from every political perspective — are looking for a new leader in Albany . ...
“For too long, Governor Cuomo has led with fear, intimidation and bullying. New York has been embarrassed by corruption and lags behind in too many important categories. We can do better,” Gibson stated.
Since announcing his decision to not seek re-election to 19th Congressional district seat, Gibson has been outspoken on issues facing the state.
The 19th Congressional District includes all of Ulster, Greene and Columbia counties, most of Dutchess County and some or all of seven other counties. At the chamber’s breakfast meeting, Gibson said it’s time to “restore the faith” in state government and talked about the need in the state for independent redistricting, enacting “some” campaign finance reform and denying pensions to lawmakers convicted of felonies.
He reiterated those positions in his statement Monday, saying:
“I believe our state can rally around four points: growing the economy through meaningful tax cuts and policy changes, achieving excellence in education by returning power to parents, students and teachers, cleaning up corruption and restoring our faith in our ability to be self-governing, and protecting our freedoms while improving on the safety and security of all New Yorkers.
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“Rep. Chris Gibson says he’ll leave House at end of 2016, might seek statewide office,” Jan. 6, 2015
“For too long, Governor Cuomo has led with fear, intimidation and bullying. New York has been embarrassed by corruption and lags behind in too many important categories. We can do better.”
— U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson