Politics

NY Democrat assemblyman imitates person with cerebral palsy during debate

Vince Coglianese Contributor
Font Size:

In a debate Monday between candidates for the 109th NY State Assembly District, incumbent Democrat Bob Reilly sought to tug the heartstrings of the electorate with a touching anecdote about a young man with cerebral palsy. As Reilly began the story he said, “A young man by the name of Kyle came into my office the other day. I think he was a victim, I believe of cerebral palsy. And with no disrespect to him, he said to me, ‘[18 seconds of groaning] I worry what will happen to me.'” That groaning imitation of Kyle has provoked staunch criticism of Reilly’s technique. Conservative blogger Rusty Weiss took aim at the assemblyman saying, “Reilly’s integrity flew directly out the window, as he launched into his imitation of the young man.”