Incumbent cries foul over his opponent's flyer mailed to voters - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Incumbent cries foul over his opponent's flyer mailed to voters

ALBANY, NY -- It is campaign crunch time with just 20 days until the election, and one local assembly race is getting even more intense as an incumbent cries foul over his opponent's flyer mailed to voters over the weekend.

Campaign mud slinging is expected during election season, but Steve McLaughlin's campaign says his opponent, Cheryl Roberts, took it too far with this flyer.

"She lied in it, directly she lied," said Bryon McKim, a representative for the McLaughlin campaign.

Roberts, who is vying for McLaughlin's assembly seat, states in the flyer that McLaughlin voted against a sales tax cut on clothing and footwear under $110.

"At no point did Steve McLaughlin vote against the sales tax cut," said McKim.

McLaughlin's campaign took their complaint to the Fair Campaign Practices of the Capital Region, where they passed out Roberts' flyers and McLaughlin voting record on the legislation in question.

The bill Roberts cites on her flyer can be found at this link, http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A09059&term=2011&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y 

It does contain a "no" vote from McLaughlin, but it does it include anything about a sales tax on clothing or footwear under $110.

Roberts' campaign was not at the public hearing but in a statement to NEWS10 Roberts writes, "I was correct in noting that he voted against the budget bill containing tax credits; however McLaughlin was mistaken about his role reinstating the exemption. He did not ever vote for the sales tax exemption he is taking credit for. It turns out that vote was taken in 2010 (a.9710-d of 2010); McLaughlin did not begin to serve in the assembly until January 1, 2011. "

McLaughlin's campaign says they aren't buying her explanations. "She owes Steve McLaughlin an apology," added Nick Wilcock, a campaign spokesperson.

Members of the Fair Campaign Practices of the Capital Region say they will need at least 48 hours to make a decision on which side is right.