Iannello Calls On State Authorities to Investigate Golisano PAC
Calls violation of law just more politics as usual (Buffalo) – Michele M. Iannello, candidate for the 61st State Senate district, denounced the political committee formed by Tom Golisano, saying the contributions violate New York Election Law. Iannello called on the New York State Board of Elections and, the Office of the Attorney General to begin immediate investigations.
Golisano stated that he was depositing a check for $5 million dollars into his political committee, and press reports have said that Golisano would spend up to $1 million on behalf of candidate Joe Mesi. Iannello said that both would be in violation of campaign finance law.
“Just because Mr. Golisano and Mr. Mesi call it reform, doesn’t make it so. In fact, it is just the opposite, it is nothing more than politics as usual and Mr. Mesi looks like just another politician with a with a price tag on him,” said Iannello.New York limits the amount of money that an individual can contribute in total in one year to all political committees to $150,000.
New York law also limits the amount a political committee can spend on behalf of a candidate, if the candidate and the committee have coordinated, to $6,000 in a State Senate primary. Former Erie County Democratic Chair Steve Pigeon has active roles in both Joe Mesi’s campaign and Tom Golisano’s committee.
“I am calling on my opponent, Mr. Mesi, to reject and refuse any spending on his behalf by Mr. Golisano. Mr. Mesi has to decide whether he wishes to serve the voters of Western New York or a Republican billionaire,” challenged Iannello.
Iannello is in her second term in the Erie County Legislature. Before entering public service, she was a real estate paralegal and small business owner. The 61st State Senate district is made up of the Towns of Amherst, Clarence, Newstead, Tonawanda, and part of the City of Tonawanda in Erie County and all of Genesee County. The incumbent, Senator Mary Lou Rath has decided to retire at the end of her term.