McMurray says Collins’ crimes and lies cause lingering damage
Chris Collins was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison today for participating in a scheme to commit insider trading and for making false statements to federal law enforcement agents when interviewed about his conduct. He also was fined $200,000.
Collins, who resigned from Congress on Sept. 30, insisted he was innocent during a re-election campaign. He won a very close race against Nate McMurray, a Democrat, in November 2018.
McMurray is seeking the position again. He issued this statement after Collins was sentenced:
“Years of lies by Collins and those who justified his crimes ends like this. Tears. An empty seat. It’s a sad moment. No sentence can heal the damage caused. The sting will linger.
“Remember this. Who brought us here. So when we look back, we will see how far we’ve come. I’m heading to my son’s basketball game, watching a movie with my family, going to sleep, and waking up tomorrow to continue the fight to restore integrity to NY-27 and Washington.”
State Sen. Rob Ortt also is running to fill the vacant seat in Congress. Ortt issued this statement:
“The constituents of NY-27 deserve better, and today provides us the opportunity to close this disappointing chapter and start fresh. This district deserves a faithful and hardworking conservative representing them in Congress, putting the needs of Western New York and America first. I believe I am the candidate best qualified to do so and it is my sincere hope that I’m afforded the opportunity to once again serve my country.”
