Michael McNulty

Michael Robert McNulty was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing New York's 21st Congressional district  (map) from 1989-2009.

Iraq War
McNulty voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Bio
McNulty was born September 16, 1947 in Troy, New York and graduated from Holy Cross College. He was mayor of Green Island, New York from [1977 to 1982. McNulty was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1982.

Congressional career
In 1988, Congressman Samuel S. Stratton announced his withdrawal from the race due to health issues. McNulty was selected to replace him on the ballot and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In his early days in the House, McNulty agreed with 13 of 15 tenets of the GOP's Contract With America. He has since "chalked up a moderate-to-liberal voting record, but, a Catholic, he broke with his party over the issue of abortion." "McNulty voted against impeaching President Clinton. He has been a strong friend of labor, casting his vote against the North American Free Trade Agreement. And he has also lined up with his party's more liberal wing from time to time, voting against the 1994 welfare overhaul and against allowing states to deny public education to illegal aliens.

McNulty served as a party whip during his first two terms, but is known for being relatively quiet and not saying much on the floor. However, recently he became an outspoken critic of President George W. Bush's Social Security reform plan. 

2006 elections
In 2006, the Republicans nominated Warren Redlich to face Mcnulty in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) McNulty retained his seat.

Retirement
McNulty confirmed reports that he would not run for reelection on October 29, 2007. He said his health was a factor, but not the main reason for the decision to end his 10 term congressional career. McNulty had polio as a child and suffered from a post-polio condition. “The main reason for making this decision now is that I want to come home. I do want to have a job where, when Monday morning rolls around, I am not headed to the airport. In short, I want to be with my family,” McNulty said.

Many possible Democratic candidates for the seat were being discussed, including state Sen. Neil Breslin; his brother Albany Country executive Mike Breslin; Assemblyman Ron Canestrari; Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings; McNulty staffer Charlie Diamond; a regional director for Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Tracey Brooks; president of the state’s Energy Research and Development Authority Paul Tonko; Albany Common Council President Shawn Morris; Albany County District Attorney David Soares; and Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton, the son of Rep. Sam Stratton (D), McNulty’s predecessor.

Possible Republican candidates include Assemblyman James Tedisco, Assemblyman George Amedore, and an executive at Independent Power Producers of New York, Gavin Donohue.

Money in politics
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Committee assignments in the 110th Congress (2007-2009)

 * House Committee on Ways and Means
 * Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support
 * Subcommittee on Social Security - Chair

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Ways and Means
 * Subcommittee on Oversight
 * Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures - Ranking Minority Member

Contact
DC Office: 2210 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-3221 Phone: 202-225-5076 Fax: 202-225-5077 Email: mike.mcnulty AT mail.house.gov Web Email Website

District Office- Albany: O'Brien Federal Building, Room 827 Albany, NY 12207 Phone: 518-465-0700 Fax: 518-427-5107

District Office- Amsterdam: 2490 Riverfront Center Amsterdam, NY 12010-4612 Phone: 518-843-3400 Fax: 518-843-8874

District Office- Johnstown: Fulton County Office Building 223 West Main Street, Room 10 Johnstown, NY 12095 Phone: 518-762-3568 Fax: 518-736-2004

District Office- Schenectady: United States Post Office Schenectady, NY 12305-1982 Phone: 518-374-4547 Fax: 518-374-7908

District Office- Troy: 33 Second Street Troy, NY 12180-3975 Phone: 518-271-0822 Fax: 518-273-6150

Resources

 * Official website
 * Bio on McNulty
 * USA Today Profile on Mike McNulty
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Articles

 * Gur, "The Phattest Bubble You've Ever Seen?", Room Eight, May 12, 2006.
 * Gur, "What Part Of "You Will Pimp My Pay to $168K" Did You Not Understand?", Room Eight, June 30, 2006.
 * Congressional Wire, "Earth to Congress - Come In!", Room Eight, July 11, 2006.
 * Gur, "Why Bother?", Room Eight, July 12, 2006.
 * Angela Burton, "NY Control In a Democratic House," Room Eight, November 6, 2006.

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Simply Left Behind