Mark Schimel told Republican party officials he will not run for the state Assembly seat held by his estranged wife Michelle.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said he was not surprised Schimel dropped out, noting that even his mother told him not to run.
Mark Schimel wrote the following letter to Frank Moroney, chairman of the North Hempstead Republican Committee:
Dear Mr. Moroney:
Since being nominated last Thursday, I have been inundated with calls from the media that focused on matters extraneous to the campaign and the issues facing our State.
It is clear to me that any effort to have an honest debate about lowering property taxes, improving our economy and making elected officials more responsive to taxpayers will be impossible given the media's proclivity for sensationalizing the news.
It also seems that the Democrats are frightened by the fact that the taxpayers of the 16th AD will learn that the incumbent Assembly member voted against the real property tax cap, which makes it harder for senior citizens to afford to remain in North Hempstead and New York State and discourages young adults from moving here!
Accordingly, I withdraw my request to run for the Assembly in the 16th AD. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Mark Schimel
Schimel was nominated by the Republican Party to challenge his wife for her 16th Assembly District seat.
The couple separated about a year ago after 32 years of marriage.
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