Albany, N.Y. – Senator Jim Alesi bid farewell to his colleagues in the state senate Saturday.
Alesi decided not to seek reelection, ending a senate career that has spanned nearly two decades.
As the legislative session came to a close, Alesi gave his last speech on the senate floor.
"There just comes a time when you know ... You have to leave. For me, it's here, it's now and the right way to say it is I know from my studies adios, adios, to God, adios!” Alesi said to applause.
Alesi, a Republican, said he stands by his decision to vote to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, though he claims it cost him support from GOP leaders.
Monroe County Republican Chair Bill Reilich says Alesi lost support after he filed a lawsuit against a couple after he broke his leg trespassing on their property.
