PLATTSBURGH | Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) has come out swinging against Tedra Cobb, accusing her Democratic opponent of dishonesty after the candidate's ambiguous stance on gun control garnered widespread attention on Wednesday.
"This election is a clear choice,” Stefanik wrote on Twitter[1] Thursday. “My opponent says one thing in private, & another in public. Just days after pledging to be honest with voters[2], my opponent was caught on camera saying that she must lie to voters in order to get elected.”
Cobb was captured on a secret cell phone video[3] telling a group of young voters while she supports a ban on assault rifles, she will not state that position publicly because it is not a winning issue at the ballot box.
Franklin County Republican Chairman Ray Scollin recounted having a similar conversation with Cobb in May.
Stefanik framed Cobb’s comments as a contrast in values.
“From Day 1, I have proudly served our district with a commitment to transparency & openness,” Stefanik said. “Whether you agree or disagree on policy issues, you know where I stand, and I share how I vote. For example, I support the 2nd Amendment. It is clear that my opponent does not.”
Cobb campaign manager Mike Szustak shot back: "Elise Stefanik doesn't know what an honest conversation is.”
“People are dying and the only thing Elise Stefanik cares about is scoring political points,” Szustak told The Sun in an email. “Heartless. She deserves to be replaced. This country needs the kind of honest conversations Tedra Cobb wants to have to get to some real solutions. Everything needs to be on the table.”
The contentious exchange is unfolding
