VIDEO: Katz Announces Candidacy for State Senate

Assemblyman Steve Katz's family and friends cheered him on Monday as he announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate—and criticized incumbent Greg Ball.

"Our current senator was one of those who promised to lead the effort to reform New York," Katz, a veterinarian who lives in Mohegan Lake, said. "What we got is a senator who brags about how he has helped Gov. [Andrew] Cuomo break his promises."

Both men are running for the 40th district seat, along with Democratic contender , a Cortlandt resident.

Check out the video above to hear some of what Katz (R, I — Yorktown), had to say. Late last week, Jim Coleman, campaign manager for Ball (R, C — Patterson), released two statements following news of Katz's plans to run.

"In a time when people are losing their homes and struggling to pay their taxes, this type of politics is particularly disturbing. Because of Katzs anemic D+ rating with the Conservative Party and his horrible attendance record, there are now seven Republicans seeking the Katz seat. Senator Ball has not endorsed any candidate for the seat and is not involved in the race, in any way. This is a blatant attempt to draw the Senator, who is focused on lowering taxes and creating jobs, into a food fight."

"No one has done more to help Katz, both campaign wise and legislatively, than Greg Ball, and while the Senator will win resoundingly in the primary because of his work ethic, track record and solid conservative voting record, Katz is pulling a Benedict Arnold that makes Judas look like a girl scout. Senator Ball is the state’s top ranked conservative Senator while Katz, with the worst attendance record in the Assembly, has an alarming D+ rating for his liberal voting record, and lock step votes with New York City Liberal Democrat Sheldon Silver. Since his close election, this man has consistently proven he cannot be trusted, switching votes and alliances, and within a short period for personal gain, Dr. Do Liberal has been co opted by many of the old school forces in Putnam that like things the way they used to be, corrupt and quiet. Furthermore, Dr Do-Liberal orchestrated cover up of a double arrest record, and other civil and criminal issues, including tax liens, sexual harassment settlements and beyond, make him too damaged as a general election candidate. This seat is critical to the slim republican majority, and Greg Ball looks forward to a strong conservative, grassroots campaign to win both the primary and general elections."

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