ALBANY -- In a unanimous vote, western New York legislator Assemblyman Brian Kolb won re-election to his first full 2-year term as Assembly Minority Leader, the top GOP leadership post in the State Assembly.
There was a time around here when uttering the phrase "I'm an Assembly Republican" was almost like saying "I'm politically irrelevant".
But that time has come and gone thanks to a variety of issues including the anti incumbent mood that helped fuel the GOP take-over of the US House. While New York is far from turning Red, a closer look at legislative races shows significant Republican gains.
Even more telling? Kolb admitted the gains in his conference were made DESPITE the State GOP's lackluster financial support.
Assemblyman Kolb says, "It's a real testimony to our conference considering there was no downward push across the State to help us across the ballot.'
While Kolb's enhanced minority can't flex its muscles until after January, when asked if he would support Budget Director Robert Megna's plan to close the current year budget gap with an across the board cut, Kolb responded like a leader who is well aware the media is now listening.
"Mr. Megna may be looking…we're evaluating right now if it makes sense, we'll support it" says Kolb.
Kolb was also tapped to serve on the Governor Elect's transition team.
