PLATTSBURGH – Political leaders from across the region and the state have voiced their opinions on the guilty verdict against former President Donald Trump and, not surprisingly, their thoughts are quite partisan.
“Today’s verdict reaffirms that no one is above the law,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
“In preparation for a ruling in this lawsuit, I have directed my administration to work closely with local and federal law enforcement authorities and we continue to monitor the situation. We are committed to protecting the safety of all New Yorkers and the integrity of our justice system.”
Former North Country Congressman William Owens, a Democrat from Plattsburgh, said Trump received the same treatment as any other suspect.
“His supporters completely ignore the facts of his conduct, which led to the charges,” Owens said.
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said, “No one should be above the law. Like any criminal defendant, Mr. Trump had the opportunity to mount a vigorous defense and be judged by a jury of his peers. I respect the jury’s verdict.”
North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville), a staunch Trump supporter and Republican House Speaker, issued a blistering statement opposing the verdict.
“Today’s verdict shows how corrupt and rigged the American justice system has become under Joe Biden. I fully support President Trump appealing this decision and I look forward to the New York Court of Appeals delivering justice and overturning this verdict,” said Stefanik.
“The facts are clear: This was a zombie case brought forward by Joe Biden’s allies in a desperate attempt to save Biden’s failing campaign, and the verdict hinged on the testimony of a convicted felon who was disbarred for to lie. This sham trial was overseen by a corrupt and highly conflicted judge who is a Biden donor and his own family has profited from this case. This judge imposed a silence order on President Trump and his team preventing them from talking about this rigged witch hunt. this judge routinely sided with the prosecution and prevented President Trump’s defense from calling a critical witness.
“The prosecution team that brought this case included a Soros-funded far-left Democratic prosecutor on a vendetta, a Democrat political operative, and Democrat donors. From the start, the scales of justice were stacked against President Trump. Joe Biden, far-left Democrats and their stenographers in the mainstream media have made it clear that they will stop at nothing to prevent President Trump from returning to the White House.
Stefanik also pointed to a recent Emerson College poll that puts Trump within six points of Biden in New York state.
“The American people see through the corrupt Democratic Party’s weaponization of the justice system for what it is: illegal election interference targeting Joe Biden’s political opponent, President Donald J. Trump,” Stefanik said Friday.
“This latest poll showing President Trump continuing to rise in New York shows that Joe Biden’s campaign is in complete freefall. The American people are rallying behind President Trump after this mockery of a corrupt, weaponized justice system.”
The Clinton County Republican Committee also released a statement.
“The recent verdict in the Trump trial reminds us that justice must be blind and impartial. “Disappreciation of someone’s personality, politics or policies does not mean that the Constitution and due process can be disregarded,” the statement said.
“Let this be a moment to reflect on the importance of upholding the principles of our legal system. If these kinds of partisan games can be played with a former president, imagine what could happen to ordinary citizens if the justice system is left unchecked.”
