Chris McGrath ‘mathematically eliminated’ in NY Senate race

Democrat Todd Kaminsky, left, led Republican Chris McGrath, right, by 862 votes after officials on Friday, April 29, 2016 concluded a count of paper ballots, Democratic elections Commissioner David Gugerty said. Credit: Daniel Goodrich / Howard Schnapp
The attorney for Republican election officials in Nassau County said Friday that Christopher McGrath, the party’s candidate in the special election in the 9th State Senate District, had been “mathematically eliminated” in his race against Democrat Todd Kaminsky.
Kaminsky, a state assemblyman from Long Beach, had an 862-vote lead over McGrath after officials concluded a count of paper ballots on Friday, Democratic elections Commissioner David Gugerty said.
John Ryan, counsel to Republican Elections Commissioner Louis Savinetti, confirmed the results and said McGrath, a Hewlett attorney, had been “mathematically eliminated.”
The campaigns have raised 61 objections — mostly concerning signature discrepancies on absentee ballots — but they cannot change the outcome, Gugerty said.
“It is mathematically impossible to change the results at this point,” said Gugerty.
The board completed its count of nearly 3,200 absentee, affidavit and emergency ballots Friday and is expected to certify the results Monday, Gugerty and Ryan said.
Kaminsky got 50 percent of the vote, McGrath, 48.7 percent, and Green party candidate Laurence Hirsh, 1.13 percent.
Kaminsky “should be sworn in so he can get to work delivering for Long Island and cleaning up Albany” said campaign spokesman Evan Thies.
McGrath declined to concede.
The outcome of the special election could be crucial to control of the Senate. Republicans hold 31 of 63 Senate seats and control the chamber due to a governing coalition with six breakaway Democrats.
Former Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) lost the 9th district seat after he was convicted with his son, Adam, in December on eight federal counts of bribery, extortion and conspiracy. They are appealing.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.