Blue Press Journal (NY) – A ceremony intended to honor the memory of former Clinton County Clerk John Zurlo took a contentious turn on Monday morning when Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) was met with a chorus of boos and jeers from protesters at the Clinton County Government Center. The event, which was meant to rename a portion of the center in Zurlo’s honor, was marred by the outburst, which was sparked by Stefanik’s presence at the podium.
Stefanik, a vocal ally of President Donald Trump, was interrupted by protesters chanting “You sold us out” as she attempted to speak. The backlash is likely a response to her recent actions, including a public clash with Clinton County Clerk Jerika Manning over the selection of the Republican nominee for the upcoming special election to fill Assemblyman Billy Jones’s seat. Stefanik, along with State Senator Dan Stec, has called for Manning’s resignation, further fueling the tensions.
The incident highlights the deep divisions within the community, with many residents expressing frustration with Stefanik’s actions and policies. As a potential gubernatorial candidate, Stefanik’s appearance at the ceremony was seen as an opportunity to connect with local voters, but instead, it seemed to reinforce the perception that she is out of touch with the needs and concerns of the community.
Her actions and rhetoric have become increasingly polarizing, and it is evident that many residents are dissatisfied with her representation, as noted by numerous comments from constituents throughout upstate New York.
As Stefanik considers a potential run against Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), incidents like this may serve as a warning sign for her campaign. With the Republican party already facing an uphill battle in the state, Stefanik’s ability to connect with voters and build a broad coalition will be crucial to her success. For now, it seems that she still has a long way to go to win over the hearts and minds of the people she hopes to represent.
Blue Press Journal 
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