Julian Schreibman has become the first Democrat to formally declare for Congress following congressman Maurice Hinchey’s January 19 retirement announcement. Schriebman, who announced his plans to the county committee last week and resigned the position he has held since September 2008, cited his background and record in prosecuting corporate criminals with the U.S. attorney’s office in New York City among his qualifications.
By party rule, Schreibman’s position as Democratic chairman will be filled by first vice chair Karen Markisenis of the town of Ulster until a special election can be held.
During Schreibman’s term as chairman, Democrats, the majority party in the county, elected a sheriff and county executive, but lost county judge, and twice lost district attorney and the county legislature.
Schreibman practices law in Kingston with a New York City-based law firm, Wachtel & Masyr. Schreibman said his law partners support his run for Congress
There has been speculation that county executive Mike Hein might run for Congress once Hinchey steps down. Following Hinchey’s retirement announcement, Hein, a Democrat, said only that he hoped “a strong candidate from Ulster County” might step forward. Hein had no comment on Schreibman’s announcement.
Would-be candidates are at a disadvantage. The state legislature, which is charged with reapportionment, isn’t expected to complete congressional redistricting until mid-March. New York State will lose two of its 29-member congressional delegation. Remaining districts will have to be increased by about 45,000 residents to meet one person-one vote requirements.
Hinchey’s sprawling congressional district ranges westward from the Hudson Valley, where it includes Kingston, Newburgh, Beacon and Poughkeepsie, out to Binghamton and Ithaca. Hinchey has represented the district since 1993.
Schreibman, 39, lives in Stone Ridge with his wife Shannon and their three pre-school children.
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