NY GOP announces meetings to select candidate for McHugh special

Republicans have announced their plans for selecting a nominee for the special election for Rep. John McHugh’s (R-N.Y.) seat, once it becomes open.

State Party Vice Chairman Jim Ellis announced Tuesday that the party will hold four regional meetings in the district. Only Republican committee members will be allowed to be present.

Candidates will each be afforded 10 minutes to speak to those gathered, and a written question-and-answer session will follow.

There is no schedule yet, since we don’t know when McHugh will be confirmed as Army Secretary, but the party aims to hold the four meetings in a two- to four-week period.

New York state law allows party to select their nominees without a primary process in the event of a special election, as was the case in the 20th district race won by Rep. Scott Murphy (D-N.Y.) earlier this year.

“After discussion with all of the county Republican chairs throughout the 23rd congressional district, we have agreed to the following process for arriving at the best possible Republican candidate to succeed John McHugh in the United States Congress,” Ellis said. “Our hearts are heavy because of John’s departure but we are pledged to make the selection process as open and public as we are able to as a fitting tribute to a person of character and integrity who has served us all so well in the House of Representatives.”