The narcistic behavior of George Santos was on full display last week as he cast the final – and what proved to be deciding – vote towards passing the Republican bill to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. With four Republicans having already voted nay, the count on the partisan measure stood at 216–215 just before Mr. Santos took to the floor and cast his yea vote, which resulted in thunderous applause.
One can only imagine the self-gratification Mr. Santos felt as he quenched his obsession for attention while never once considering how his actions embarrassed the residents of New York’s 3rd Congressional District—again.
Since assuming office early this year under false pretenses, Mr. Santos has refused to resign despite intense media attention and calls from local residents to do so. As a registered Republican and a lifelong resident of New York’s 3rd CD who travels for work to Washington, DC, on a regular basis, the situation is personal and cuts deeper that if Mr. Santos was from, say, the lost city of Atlantis – which, who knows, may be his next claim.
Our nation’s history is littered with occasions when our political leaders have acted improperly, nefariously and even criminally. While others before him have done far worse, Mr. Santos has nonetheless perpetuated a harmful con on the 750,000 residents of New York’s 3rd Congressional District. Despite this latest event there are reasons to be optimistic on our future congressional representation.
It is becoming clear that two grassroots efforts are forming within our district. One is a unified effort that is based on a strong desire to correct a mistake and a realization that no help is coming from Washington, DC. As witnessed by his vote on the debt ceiling, Republican leadership has no incentive to expel Mr. Santos. Rather, his removal will need to originate at the local level from within the party he duped. This is happening with great attention.
Second, there is also a growing focus across the political aisle. Nothing motivates the base of one political party more than an unfortunate event affecting the other. It presents an opportunity to seize power. It also creates a healthy sense of fear as opposing leaders recognize the event could have just as easily happened to their own party.
Yes, both parties are much more focused on New York’s 3rd District now than they were prior to last Election Day. As a result, our district will have better candidates to choose from in the future. This is a good outcome from a disappointing event: better candidates, better choices and better results for New York’s 3rd District and for Congress as a whole.
In the meantime, our district will muddle through what could be an 18-month charade, and the nation will surely survive Mr. Santos. The long-term forecast for our district having a representative who is worthy of its constituents is much brighter now as Mr. Santos’ time in Washington, DC, will pass.
Jim Toes
Manhasset