Nesbitt re-elected

Assembly Republican Leader Charles H. Nesbitt (139th District) was unanimously re-elected to a two-year term by members of the Assembly's Republican Conference. Nesbitt has been leader of the conference since April 8, 2002. He represents the 139th District including Orleans County and parts of Genesee, Monroe and Niagara Counties.

A highly decorated helicopter pilot with the 57th Assault Helicopter Co. during the Vietnam War, Nesbitt, 56, served in the U.S. armed forces for 10 years and earned the prestigious air medal with 26 oak leaf clusters. In March he received the Charles Dick Medal from the National Guard Association of the United States for creating New York's historic Patriot Plan, the most comprehensive package of tax relief and other benefits for active duty military men and women in the country. He was also instrumental in getting Patriot Plan II, which gives additional aid to soldiers.

Following his election, Nesbitt said, "I am honored to have the trust and confidence of my Assembly Republican colleagues and I pledge to continue to fight for Republican principles in the New York State Assembly."

Nesbitt, the father of six children, lives in Albion with his wife, Kim.