Rival wants to oust Nesbitt
Gannett News Service
Thursday, April 14, 2026



ALBANY — A Wyoming County rival said Wednesday he wants to wrest control of the Assembly Republican conference away from Charles Nesbitt, saying the party has lost its identity.

The low-key Nesbitt has been “wishy-washy” on the political front and yet “dictatorial” inside the party, said Assemblyman Dan Burling, R-Alexander, Wyoming County.

“It has become a festering problem,” Burling said Wednesday at an impromptu news conference outside the Assembly chamber. “This did not happen overnight.”

Burling estimated that the divide was “about 50-50” among the 45-member Assembly Republican conference. In contrast, Nesbitt supporters claimed their camp numbered at least 30.

In fact, Nesbitt, R-Albion, Orleans County, said that he felt “very secure” about his job.

“I expect to be leader for a long time to come,” he said. Later Wednesday, Republican Gov. George Pataki expressed support for Nesbitt.

Nesbitt took over the post after a divisive internal battle in 2002, when the GOP had 53 Assembly members. (The post carries a $33,173 annual stipend on tip of legislators’ base salary of $79,500.)

They have steadily lost seats and now trail Democrats 104-45 (with one vacancy in a traditionally Republican district). Some Republicans complained that Nesbitt’s staff was high-handed and ignored member requests. Others said Nesbitt’s understated style wasn’t effective.

“We have too much of a ‘go along, get along’ attitude,” said Tom Kirwan, R-Newburgh.

“I think there’s a general malaise in the conference,” added Marc Butler, R-Newport, Herkimer County.

The potential coup emerged late Tuesday as legislators put the finishing touches on a $106.5 billion state budget. During a break, Burling and others dined together and talked about Nesbitt’s leadership and continued kicking it around when they returned to the Assembly. Burling said there was no talk of going through with a coup attempt - until Burling was called into Nesbitt’s office and accused of plotting against the minority leader.

“Quite frankly, I think it was an overreaction,” Burling said.

But then one of Nesbitt’s top allies, Tom Barraga, R-Suffolk County, asked Burling if he still supported Nesbitt.

“Under these circumstances, no I can’t,” Burling said he replied. He called that moment “the point of no return.” Now, the 58-year-old pharmacist first elected to the Assembly in 1998 said he would campaign for rank-and-file members’ support.

Nesbitt supporters said his conciliatory style has worked. Democrats this year agreed to allow Republicans a slightly better chance to bring bills to the floor. Republicans also have received a modestly better share of “pork barrel,” or funds for projects in hometown areas.

“I think we’ve accomplished more under Charlie’s leadership than any other leader since I’ve been here,” said Bob Oaks, R-Macedon, Wayne County, an assemblyman since 1993.

“There is no conference-wide support for Dan or anybody else besides Charlie,” added Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, Ontario County.

One Republican who did not back Nesbitt three years ago said he’s worked to win over internal critics. Will Stephens, R-Brewster, Putnam County, was initially demoted when Nesbitt took over. But in January, Nesbitt promoted him to floor leader, which some consider the No. 2 post in the conference.

“To me, that’s evidence that Charlie is a consensus builder,” Stephens said. At the same time, Stephens allowed that his ascension might rankle long-time Nesbitt supporters who felt their loyalty was ignored.

Last year, Nesbitt banded Republicans together to help Pataki defeat veto overrides in the Assembly. The governor wants the Orleans County Republican to stay in his post, said Pataki spokesman Todd Alhart.

“The governor has enjoyed a great working relationship with Assemblyman Nesbitt,” Alhart said. “The governor believes he has been a strong leader for the Republican conference and thinks he should continue to lead the conference in the future.”

Nesbitt supporters noted that a new election for leader isn’t scheduled until after the 2006 elections. However, Republicans on either side of the skirmish acknowledged that, practically speaking, a coup can occur at almost any time. If a leader loses rank-and-file support, opponents can find a way to force a vote or pressure the leader to step down.

“This is not over by any stretch,” said Joel Miller, R-Poughkeepsie, a Burling ally.
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