Vincent Leibell - Political Career

Political Career

Leibell had previously served as a New York State Assemblyman from 1983 to 1994 and State Senator from 1994 to 2010. He was first elected to the State Senate in 1994 when he defeated former New York State Lieutenant Governor Alfred DelBello. A Republican, Leibell decided not to seek re-election to the New York State Senate in 2010 and instead won the race for Putnam County Executive in the same year. Over the years, he attracted controversy for his reputation for patronage and as a political kingmaker in Putnam County - the local newspaper cited the rumor that his preferred method of handling political opposition was to "kill them in the cradle."

Although he had a twenty-eight year career in the State Legislature, Leibell was not particularly known for his legislative accomplishments and passed no significant legislation with his name attached to it, yet Leibell's largesse with so-called pork barrel spending and ability to "bring home the bacon" earned him the moniker "Uncle Vinnie".

Even after being convicted of two felonies, Leibell attracted further scandal when it was revealed he used campaign funds to spend $931 on new tires and $267 in Barnes and Nobles visits days after pleading guilty on Federal corruption charges. The government watchdog group Citizens Union called Leibell's actions part of a "legislative crime wave" in New York State, and named Leibell one of 17 legislators who lost their seat due to criminal issues in from 2004 to 2010.