Constantino Threatens Defamation Suit Against Smullen in NY-21 Race as Trump-Backed GOP Feud Intensifies
Updated
Updated · City & State New York · Jun 18
Constantino Threatens Defamation Suit Against Smullen in NY-21 Race as Trump-Backed GOP Feud Intensifies
2 articles · Updated · City & State New York · Jun 18
Summary
Monday’s demand letter from Anthony Constantino’s attorney accused Robert Smullen of repeated false statements and warned of a possible defamation lawsuit, following two earlier warnings sent on March 25 and May 14.
The legal threat lands days before the NY-21 Republican primary, where Constantino has Donald Trump’s endorsement while Smullen is backed by the state GOP and seven New York Republican House members.
Jim Jordan became the first member of Congress to publicly back Constantino at a Thursday rally, as both campaigns traded accusations over lies, attack ads and a chaotic candidate forum in Saratoga Springs.
Several local Republicans said voters feel intimidated about showing support publicly, reflecting a race driven less by ideology than by a power struggle inside the party.
That split could shape the general election in a district where Republicans outnumber Democrats roughly 3 to 1, but Democrats see an opening from the GOP infighting.