| Michele Iannello has filed a complaint against Joe Mesi for his connections with Responsible New York which include ties to Steve Pigeon, former Erie County Democratic Party chair and current co-chair for Responsible New York - the committee started by billionaire Tom Golisano to fund political campaigns. One of the campaigns reported to be a possible beneficiary of Golisano's giving was Mesi's, which was in line to receive $1 million from Golisano before Golisano declared that no decisions about giving had been made.
According to a press release sent out by Iannello's campaign, papers have been filed with the New York State Board of Elections, New York State Attorney General's office and the Albany County District Attorney's office.
Iannello laid out the extensive connections and coordination between Mesi and Responsible New York, focused mainly around Steve Pigeon.
Pigeon, who has been a major advisor to Mesi since his campaign began earlier this year and has been authorized to sign checks for the committee, is now the co-chair of Responsible New York. Responsible New York has indicated that it intends to spend up to $1 million dollars on Mesi's behalf. New York State Election Law prohibits the coordination by candidates and independent committees if they intend to spend more than the contribution limits. In the State Senate primary the contribution limit is $6,000.
"I'm not a lawyer, but the law is clear - you can't spend more than the $6,000 on behalf of a candidate if you are coordinating with them - period. It is clear that there has been extensive coordination between Mr. Mesi and a committee that wants to spend $1 million on his behalf," stated Iannello.
Iannello also called on Mesi to answer questions about his association with this group.
"Mr. Mesi needs to look the voters in the eye and tell them whether or not he is going to allow the law to be broken to help him try to win the election. We can't afford any more politics as usual in Albany. Politicians hiding behind "lawyer-speak" to try and justify shady actions is exactly what the voters are sick of," continued Iannello."
Iannello provided supporting documentation which shows the connection between Mesi and Pigeon. According to the committee designation form submitted to the state Board of Elections, "Friends of Mesi" authorized two people (other than the treasurer) to sign checks. One of those people is Steve Pigeon.
Here is a flow chart showing this relationship:
Iannello and her campaign have made a compelling (and strong) case against this. The evidence looks damning. Let's wait and see if this is investigated or not. |
