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Stefanik sticks with Paladino, despite conspiracy theories and Hitler praise

Jun 10, 2022 1:03 pm

Aaron Cerbone reports for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise that Rep. Elise Stefanik is sticking by her endorsement of Carl Paladino despite several controversial statements from the new candidate for New York's 23rd Congressional District. Incumbent Republican Chris Jacobs dropped his re-election campaign last week after his support of a few gun control measures in the wake of the Buffalo mass shooting caused widespread backlash among his GOP supporters. So Paladino stepped up to run for the office. In 2021, Paladino said Adolf Hitler is "the kind of leader we need today.... We need somebody inspirational. We need somebody that is a doer, has been there and done it.” Stefanik, whose new 21st District includes Rensselaer County told HuffPost on June 9 that Paladino’s statement was taken “out of context.” Last week, just before announcing his run for Congress, Paladino shared a post on Facebook with several false conspiracy theories, including that mass shootings are set up to create gun control legislation. Paladino first denied posting the writing, later admitted he did, and then told the Buffalo News “I don’t even know how to post on Facebook.” Stefanik’s press offices did not respond about the unsourced conspiracy theories. She continues to endorse Paladino. Read more about this story in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.