Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

District 1: Michael Picarillo

City of Troy

Rensselaer County Legislator Michael Picarillo said he is disappointed the Rensselaer County Board of Elections is preventing his nickname of "Pickles" from appearing on the ballot, and says it is retaliation for the Democrats being exposed in the forgery and fraud scandal.

Picarillo has been known as "Pickles" for forty years. While believing he is correct on the issue, Picarillo announced today he will not challenge the ruling to ensure military ballots are delivered on time.

"I am disappointed Democrats have chosen to retaliate by working to prevent my nickname ‘Pickles' appearing on the ballot. It is unfair to the voters, and unfair to the electoral process," said Picarillo.

Last week, the Democrat commissioner at the Board of Elections stated the nickname "Pickles" could not appear on the ballot. This was despite the nickname being included on nominating petitions circulated on behalf of Picarillo that included the "Pickles" nickname.

Normally, a name appears on the ballot as it appears on the nominating petition, and Picarillo felt the law was on his side. However, Democrats stated that Picarillo would have to resort to legal action to have his nickname placed on the ballot. Picarillo began to prepare for legal action but then realized a lawsuit would delay the mailing of permanent absentee ballots, including military ballots

"It is pretty apparent Democrats did this because they were exposed in the stunning forgery and fraud ballot scandal. This is retaliation, plain and simple. What was disturbing was their apparent willingness to force a lawsuit that would have ended up delaying military ballots being sent out," said Picarillo.

Picarillo's nephew has served overseas with the military and is still serving with the National Guard.

"Our fighting men and women deserve our respect. Their vote should not be part of a silly political game, or retribution because Democrats were caught forging ballots," added Picarillo.

(For more information regarding this news release, please call 928-1920)