Elise Stefanik thrust herself into the national political spotlight by becoming an ardent defender of President Trump during his impeachment hearings in the United States House of Representatives. In doing so, she attempted to compromise the established rules of committee procedure in order to curry favor with the President and his most ardent supporters. Rather than seek the unbiased truth, Ms. Stefanik has simply pushed an agenda that is dangerous to the Republic.

In her defense, Joe Spector of Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle has quoted her as saying, “I will continue to work hard to pursue the truth on behalf of my constituents. The Radical Left will continue their slick attacks on me but I’m proud to represent the people of NY21.” The fact that Ms. Stefanik resorts to name calling and so easily uses phrases like “the Radical Left” is evidence that she does not really know her constituents. The Democratic Party in the 21st Congressional District is far from “Radical.” The Party that nominated and elected Bill Owens in 2012 did so with the backing of moderates and independent thinkers across the District.

Ms. Stefanik is right about one thing. She does have a responsibility to represent the people of NY21. What she has left out of her reporting is that she only went to 8 out of 14 closed-door depositions that were held by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Behind closed doors, she asked a grand total of 5 questions of Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman. When she thought no one was watching, she committed herself to attend only 57% of the depositions into whether the President of the United States committed treason or another impeachable offense. Republican Congressman Bradley Byrne stated that impeachment is the most important thing Congress can do other than declaring war. It’s troubling that Ms. Stefanik chose not to participate. That was it; just 57%.

As soon as the television cameras turned on, she used the spotlight to advance an agenda that sought to obfuscate rather than illuminate. This impeachment inquiry is the most important legislative action in more than a generation and all we got as NY21 was a 57% effort from her. We do not want a 57% effort just as we do not want 57% of the truth. What happened to the truth? Where was the representation? What could have possibly been more important, and how can she claim that the GOP was excluded from information when she did not attend all of the sessions? It is easier to deny the truth when you do not seek it.

The voters of NY21 deserve to know why Elise Stefanik wasn’t present at the other six depositions. Ms. Stefanik has proven herself to be good foot soldier for Donald Trump and a schooled politician. Unfortunately, the voters and constituents of the 21st Congressional District do not need a slick politician who will follow orders from DC; they need an independent voice who will speak to the unique interests of NY21.

Mark Bellardini, Chairman

St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee