Bill Nojay's posthumous victory brings with it a unique set of circumstances. As Time Warner Cable News reporter Seth Voorhees shares, Republican leaders from the counties represented in the 133rd Assembly District must now choose another candidate for the November ballot.
HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y. -- Monroe County Republicans gathered at GOP headquarters while the votes were tallied. The late Bill Nojay won, despite his suicide Friday.
"Well, I think it's a final vote of support," said GOP Chair Bill Reilich.
Reilich says voters in Livingston and Steuben counties knew Nojay well from his days as a radio host. He was scheduled to appear in federal court on a fraud charge the day he died. Still, there was a push by some party leaders to vote for him anyway.
"I think a number of the individuals who were speaking out and encouraging people to vote for Bill felt that he was a Conservative Republican voice and that's what we're going to be looking for in the next candidate," said Reilich.
Under state election law, GOP chairs from three counties will now meet to choose a candidate who will appear on the Republic line on the ballot in November. Reilich is aware of seven potential candidates. Party bosses will make their decision at a Geneseo restaurant Wednesday evening.
"I do believe we'll come out united. I think and it's important we do and I think I've had enough conversations with the other chairs.