Sanders Joins Walkout Following Refusal on Skelos Vote

(Albany, NY - May 6, 2015) - State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale) today joined Senate Democrats who walked off the senate floor after Republicans refused to call a vote on whether Senator Dean Skelos should retain his position as leader of the Senate following his arrest earlier this week on corruption charges.

"We can not continue as though this is business as usual," Sanders said following the walkout.  "This is insulting to the people of New York State."

This is the first time the Senate Majority has refused to vote on a measure brought before the house. This move demonstrates divisions within the Republican Conference as they will not publicly vote to support Skelos nor will they call upon him to step down.

The motion by the members of the Democratic Conference was a legal and legitimate move. It is part of the democratic process and a way of allowing the public's voice to be heard.  Moving forward, the Democrats will continue to pursue legitimate methods for removing Skelos.

 All of the members of the Democratic Conference who were present at today's session took part in the walkout. Skelos was not present during the session.

Dean Skelos and his son, Adam Skelos, have been charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, bribery and extortion.

"Senator Skelos cannot successfully execute his duties as leader of the Senate while simultaneously having to defend himself against these legal charges," Senator Sanders said. "He should step down, and the senate should be given the opportunity to elect a new leader, one who is not under a cloud of suspicion and can govern effectively.”