North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik testifies during a Senate hearing for her pending confirmation on Capitol Hill on Jan. 21, in Washington. She has yet to resign her seat as part of Republicans' effort to maintain its slim majority in the House of Representatives.

Nearly two months ago, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik said an emotional and seemingly heartfelt farewell to the 21st Congressional District, thanking its residents for their support as she departed to become the country’s ambassador to the United Nations.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to serve,” Stefanik said then, “and reminding me to always remember our upstate values when I represent the United States of America.”

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Isn’t that nice? But the farewell was premature.

Stefanik did not resign. She remains the North Country’s congresswoman and will probably stay in the job, as our Lucy Hodgman reported, at least through early April and her expected Senate confirmation. That means the special election to replace Stefanik won’t happen, most likely, until July.

Why the delay? Well, politics. Republicans needed Stefanik’s vote in the House, given their razor-thin majority.

And yes, that very same Republican Party was outraged — outraged I tell you! —........

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