In a tragic turn of events, Francis H. Powers passed away in his sleep, apparently from natural causes. Powers, 67, a former Wall Street executive, was selected by the GOP to run for the seat of retiring Congressman Vito Fossella. All politics aside, our thoughts are with Powers' family at this sad time.
28 thoughts on “NY-13: GOP Candidate Francis Powers Dies”
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Despite the fact that his father was a homophobic bastard. He has more forgiveness than I would if I were his son.
Sorry to hear this.
Someone has to be the one to say it: God seems to be really pissed off at the Republicans right now.
Really sorry to hear about the loss.
But on another note, will the GOP’s misfortune regarding this seat EVER end?
Harrison could have argued that not only was he a “better” Democrat but that he could have beaten Powers as well. If the Republicans can drag Lanza or someone else just as strong, McMahan could be seen as a greater necessity.
My thoughts go out to the family of the deceased, but, man oh man, this has got to be the strangest race of this cycle so far. Of course with GOP candidates like Bill Sali, Mean Jean Schmidt and Michelle Bachmann running, it is too early to give out the prize…
Craziest race I can remember. Condolences to the family.
and regrets at such a turn of events. May his charity be remembered and continue, and he find peace.
Truly, this seat in Congress is eerie in the many story lines of decline and fall that have converged on it this year. It has encapsulated many, maybe almost all the motifs of the Republican tumble since 2005.
…especially for someone who just got the chance of a lifetime to compete for something that must’ve seemed like a dream come true just a short while ago. While of course we wanted to beat him. No one wanted to see his life cut short and I can do nothing but share the sadness his family feels.
As for what this means to the Republican race. All about signatures. If my reading of state law is correct you need 1,250 party members to submit signatures on a valid registration form by the July 17th deadline. Of course you’ll need to get more to withstand a court challenge. Powers primary opponent Jamshad Wyne I assume is already collecting them since he changed his mind about endorsing Mike McMahon and decided to run instead. Don’t know about Robert Straniere. Will be interesting to see if the Republican Party establishment tries to find someone else to run and if so who.
To hear this in the middle of an election always sends mixed emotions for me. I hope God is with Mr. Powers’ family as they go through this time of grief.
However, I find it strange that in reporting this tragic news, the New York Times chose to include this quote from Chris Van Hollen:
Is that subliminal messaging at work there, or am I just being paranoid. I certainly hope that the Times wasn’t implying that the DCCC would stoop to such levels.
I wish the best to his family and friends as they remember him.