ALBANY — After reading that state Sen. John Sampson uttered just one word from the Senate floor in the last legislative session, his primary-election opponent offered one word of his own: Resign.
Dell Smitherman, former political director of hospital workers’ Local 1199, said Sampson’s single comment of “Aye” in response to a voice vote was further evidence he doesn’t do much in Albany.
“These reports prove something that Brooklynites have known all along — John Sampson has been AWOL for years and failing to meet the basic requirements of his job,” charged Smitherman, who plans to face Sampson in September’s Democratic primary.
The Post reported last week that an analysis by the good-government group NYPIRG found Sampson (D-Brooklyn) had less to say from the Senate floor than any legislator.
Sampson is seeking re-election this year, even though he’s facing trial in 2015 on charges of embezzling funds while he was a court-appointed administrator.
Sampson spoke just once during a roll call vote in favor of the Dream Act to provide tuition aid to undocumented students. The bill did not pass.
Sampson, who also faces embezzlement charges, defended himself by saying he’s was devoting his energies to his district, and not to public speaking.
The Brooklyn pol fired back at Smitherman late Monday night saying if he makes the ballot he’d love to talk about facts.
“I’ll put my record against his record anytime, any hour,” Sampson said.
Sampson once held the title of majority leader when the Democrats controlled the body in 2009. He was kicked out of the Democratic caucus after his indictment last year.