Sources say that State Senator Chris Jacobs failed to mention a percolating public corruption scandal to the group of Republican County Chairman who are deliberating over a replacement nominee for the 27th congressional district seat currently held by Rep. Chris Collins.
The scandal — which local Republicans are refusing to discuss because it could wane the trajectory of the freshman legislator’s political prospects, and would almost certainly swing the 60th state senate district to the Democrat challenger, Carima El-Behairy — is said to involve Jacobs’ vote on S.4068.
That bill allows millions of dollars of state money to be used to expand the nine racetrack casinos operating in the State — two of which are owned and operated by Delaware North, the firm owned by Jacobs’ family. The multi-billion dollar firm owns casinos located in Hamburg and Farmington.
Jacobs failed to recuse himself from that vote, taken on June 19, 2017. Senator Kathleen Marchione, the official sponsor of the legislation, has declined to seek reelection.
Operatives familiar with the unfolding scandal say that it involves a damning series of campaign contributions, the timing of which have shocked even the most seasoned political operatives. Several prominent Republicans are admitting privately that they may lose the 60th district — a seat thought to be relatively safe a few short months ago.
Without the 60th district, it is nearly impossible for Republicans to retain the chamber.
