{{Short description|American political leader (born 1960)}} {{BLP sources|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = G. Steven "Steve" Pigeon | image = | image_size = | caption = Photo released by Erie County District Attorney's Office on December 2, 2021 | office1 = Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee | term_start1 = 1996 | term_end1 = 2002 | predecessor1 = James Sorrentino | successor1 = Lenny Lenihan | office2 = Member of the Erie County Legislature <br /> from the 9th District | term_start2 = 1987 | term_end2 = 1991 | predecessor2 = Robert H. Meier | successor2 = David M. Manz | birth_date = August 12, 1960 | birth_place = St. Louis, Missouri | known_for = Western New York Democratic politician | education = | alma_mater = SUNY Buffalo Law School | occupation = Consultant, Underberg & Kessler | title = | term = | predecessor = | successor = | party = Democrat | spouse = | partner = | children = | parents = | relations = | signature = | website = | footnotes = }} '''Gerald Steven Pigeon''', (August 12, 1960<ref>Ancestry.com. Missouri, U.S., Birth Registers, 1847–1999 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007.</ref>) usually cited in newspaper accounts as '''Steve Pigeon''', is a former Democratic politician from Western New York. Pigeon was Erie County Democratic Chairman from 1996 to 2002. He parlayed his clout to become an advisor to State Senator Pedro Espada Jr., Tom Golisano, and Clare Bronfman of NXIVM.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Robert J. |title=After the coup, Pigeon resented as 'hired gun' |url=http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/731826.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=The Buffalo News |date=July 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716180112/http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/731826.html |archive-date=July 16, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Robert J. |title=Looking back at the rise and fall of political operative Steve Pigeon |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/looking-back-at-the-rise-and-fall-of-political-operative-steve-pigeon/article_72c7e162-4ce2-581e-b481-40b056018e69.html |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Buffalo News |date=30 June 2016 |language=en}}</ref>
Pigeon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States ({{USC|18|371}}) in 2018, confessing to a scheme to illegally funnel money to the campaign account of Andrew Cuomo.<ref>{{Cite Pacer|plaintiff=United States of America|defendant=G. Steven Pigeon|title=Superseding Information|doc-number=42|date=2018-10-09|pacer-number=114086|use-recap=yes|case-state=NY|case-district=WD|case-division=1|case-year=2017|case-type=cr|case-sequence=00190|access-date=2022-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Pacer|plaintiff=United States of America|defendant=G. Steven Pigeon|title=Plea Agreement|doc-number=43|date=2018-10-09|pacer-number=114086|use-recap=yes|case-state=NY|case-district=WD|case-division=1|case-year=2017|case-type=cr|case-sequence=00190|access-date=2022-07-24}}</ref> He was given a four-month prison sentence.<ref>{{Cite Pacer|plaintiff=United States of America|defendant=G. Steven Pigeon|title=Sentencing Memorandum|doc-number=109|date=2022-07-27|pacer-number=114086|use-recap=yes|case-state=NY|case-district=WD|case-division=1|case-year=2017|case-type=cr|case-sequence=190|access-date=2022-07-27}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Maki |title=Steve Pigeon sentenced to four months in prison over illegal political donation |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/steve-pigeon-sentenced-to-four-months-in-prison-over-illegal-political-donation/article_29b74d92-0d1b-11ed-961c-97d42db9bac7.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727202321/https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/steve-pigeon-sentenced-to-four-months-in-prison-over-illegal-political-donation/article_29b74d92-0d1b-11ed-961c-97d42db9bac7.html |archive-date=2022-07-27 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=Buffalo News |date=27 July 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Pigeon also pleaded guilty in New York State court to bribing John A. Michalek, a New York Supreme Court Judge, to obtain patronage jobs for relatives. Pigeon was sentenced to 1 year imprisonment, and allowed to serve his sentence concurrent to his federal imprisonment.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Besecker |first=Aaron |date=2022-07-28 |title=Steve Pigeon sentenced to 1 year in prison in judge bribery case |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/steve-pigeon-sentenced-to-1-year-in-prison-in-judge-bribery-case/article_3255d23a-0e69-11ed-ba3e-b75627c9bce3.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728170853/https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/steve-pigeon-sentenced-to-1-year-in-prison-in-judge-bribery-case/article_3255d23a-0e69-11ed-ba3e-b75627c9bce3.html |archive-date=2022-07-28 |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Buffalo News |language=en-US}}</ref>
The Erie County District Attorney indicted Pigeon on charge of predatory sexual assault against a child in 2021.<ref name="www2.erie.gov">{{Cite web |date=2021-12-02 |title=Former Political Party Chairman Indicted for Sexually Assaulting a Child {{!}} Erie County District Attorney's Office |url=https://www2.erie.gov/da/index.php?q=press/former-political-party-chairman-indicted-sexually-assaulting-child |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202182606/https://www2.erie.gov/da/index.php?q=press/former-political-party-chairman-indicted-sexually-assaulting-child |archive-date=2021-12-02 |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Erie County District Attorney's Office}}</ref> Pigeon initially denied the charges and pleaded not guilty at arraignment.<ref name="buffalonews.com">{{Cite web |last=Herbeck |first=Dan |title=Sources: Political operative Steve Pigeon to face charges of molesting a girl |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/sources-political-operative-steve-pigeon-to-face-charges-of-molesting-a-girl/article_a1d76564-52ea-11ec-b653-bb1d6a91eb14.html |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=Buffalo News |date=December 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="wivb.com">{{Cite web |date=2021-12-02 |title=Former Erie County Democratic Chairman Steve Pigeon arraigned on six charges, including rape |url=https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/former-erie-county-democratic-chairman-steve-pigeon-arraigned-on-six-charges-including-rape/ |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=News 4 Buffalo |language=en-US}}</ref> On 22 December 2023, Pigeon pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of child sexual abuse and received a one-year sentence.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=22 December 2023 |title='You took away practically my entire childhood': Victim faces Steven Pigeon as he is sentenced to 1 year for child sex abuse |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-courts/you-took-away-practically-my-entire-childhood-victim-faces-steven-pigeon-as-he-is-sentenced/article_46b5b0d8-a0d0-11ee-81e7-af1c0b0bac0d.html |website=Buffalo News}}</ref> A court hearing following his release labeled Pigeon a "sexually violent offender."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Gorski |first=Adam |date=2024-07-31 |title=Ex-Erie County Democratic Chairman Steve Pigeon will register as level 1 sex offender |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/ex-erie-county-democratic-chairman-232457000.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812151412/https://www.yahoo.com/news/ex-erie-county-democratic-chairman-232457000.html |archive-date=2024-08-12 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Yahoo News |publisher=WIVB-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> {{As of|2025|12}} Pigeon is also listed as a sex offender by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Search for "Gerald Pigeon" FDLE - Sexual Offender and Predator System |url=https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/offenderSearch.jsf |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=offender.fdle.state.fl.us}}</ref>
==Early life and career== Pigeon was born in 1960 in St. Louis, Missouri. Pigeon's father Gerald Pigeon, an air traffic controller, left and took the family moved to West Seneca in 1972. Politics surrounded Pigeon from an early age. His uncle was Donald J. Gralike, the majority leader of the Missouri State Senate.<ref name="Sondel" />
Pigeon first worked for a campaign in 1972, stuffing envelopes for Vincent Graber, Member of the New York State Assembly representing West Seneca and the Buffalo suburbs. He then worked for James D. Griffin's successful campaign in the 1977 Buffalo mayoral election.<ref name="Sondel">{{cite news|first=Justin|last=Sondel|work=City and State New York|title=The rise and fall of Steve Pigeon |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/personality/2017/09/the-rise-and-fall-of-steve-pigeon/181684/|date=September 1, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124000703/https://www.cityandstateny.com/personality/2017/09/the-rise-and-fall-of-steve-pigeon/181684/|archive-date=January 24, 2022}}</ref>
Griffin won in spite of not having a major party nomination by using the ballot line of the Conservative Party of New York State. The loss was viewed as a blow to the power of incumbent political boss, Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Joseph F. Crangle.<ref>{{cite news | last = Prial | first = Frank J. | date = November 10, 1977 | title = Buffalo is Suprised bbut Griffin's Margin | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/10/archives/buffalo-is-surprised-by-griffins-margin-mayorelects-use-of-issues.html | url-status = live | work = New York Times | location = New York | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220316194610/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/10/archives/buffalo-is-surprised-by-griffins-margin-mayorelects-use-of-issues.html | archive-date = March 16, 2022 | access-date = March 16, 2022 }}</ref>
===Striking out on his own (1984–1994)=== Aged only 24, Pigeon managed Gary Hart's 1984 Democratic Party presidential primary campaign in upstate New York. It was another clash with Crangle, who was a key supporter of Walter Mondale.
In 1985, Pigeon ran as an "independent Democrat" for the Erie County Legislature's 9th District, challenging the incumbent Republican minority leader Robert Meier. He lost by 94 votes. The ''Polish American Journal'' quoted unnamed campaign organizers and Democratic insiders complaining of a "lack of commitment promised Pigeon by the County organization."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olma |first1=Gregory |title=The Olma Report: Dems Take another Blow|work=Polish American Journal (1975–1989), National ed.|date=December 31, 1985|id={{ProQuest|<!-- Add ProQuest data here -->}} }}</ref>
Pigeon won a special election to the Erie County Legislature seat for West Seneca in 1988 and then a full (two-year) term in 1989. From this office he championed an industrial park development in that town later called the North America Center. The project began Pigeon's alliance with developer Anthony Nanula.<ref name="Sondel"/><ref name="McCarthyPigeonsRole" />
Pigeon lost his re-election bid in 1991 to Republican Sandra Lee Wirth.<ref name="Goller"/> Pigeon moved on to work for Bill Clinton's 1992 United States presidential election in New York's suburbs. He served on the Clinton transition team and was appointed special assistant to Secretary Donna Shalala at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.<ref>{{cite news | date = January 23, 1993 | title = Pigeon Named to Assist Shalala | url = https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeon-named-to-assist-shalala/article_22e57730-45a6-57b4-94ce-455a13a880ec.html | url-status = live | work = The Buffalo News | location = Buffalo, NY | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220316211626/https://subscribe.buffalonews.com/e/limit-reached-bn?returnURL=https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeon-named-to-assist-shalala/article_22e57730-45a6-57b4-94ce-455a13a880ec.html | archive-date = March 16, 2022 | access-date = March 16, 2022 }}</ref> A Summer 1993 UB Law Forum issue then noted that Pigeon joined the law firm of Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle, (a predecessor of Nixon Peabody).<ref>{{cite news | date = Summer 1993 | title = Class Action | url = https://digitalcommons.law.buffalo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1473&context=ub_law_forum | url-status = live | work = UB Law Forum | location = University at Buffalo Law School | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220316203831/https://digitalcommons.law.buffalo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1473&context=ub_law_forum | archive-date = March 16, 2022 | access-date = March 16, 2022 }}</ref>
In 1994, Anthony Masiello's State Senate seat became vacant after he won the 1993 Buffalo mayoral election. The state put the vacant seat on the ballot in an off-year, off-cycle special election in February. Pigeon's associate Anthony Nanula won and Pigeon became his unpaid advisor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Ian |title=Special Elections Will Fill Nine Seats in the State Legislature |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/14/nyregion/special-elections-will-fill-nine-seats-in-the-state-legislature.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=February 14, 1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317120354/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/14/nyregion/special-elections-will-fill-nine-seats-in-the-state-legislature.html |archive-date=17 March 2022}}</ref>
Later that year Pigeon ran for State Assembly to replace his old patron Vincent Graber, in a rematch with Sandra Lee Wirth. The campaign surfaced the growing political and commercial ties between Pigeon and Anthony Nanula, including Pigeon's work as bond counsel for a project Nanula. Republicans objected to the appearance of a conflict of interest.<ref name="McCarthyPigeonsRole">{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Robert J. |title=Pigeon's Role as a Political Insider May Make as Many Enemies as Friends |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeons-role-as-a-political-insider-may-make-as-many-enemies-as-friends/article_be9b40cd-41d8-5a2b-818a-2311d4fbf02f.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=The Buffalo News |date=August 7, 1994 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220317121746/https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeons-role-as-a-political-insider-may-make-as-many-enemies-as-friends/article_be9b40cd-41d8-5a2b-818a-2311d4fbf02f.html |archive-date=17 March 2022 |location=Buffalo, NY}}</ref><ref name="Goller">{{cite news| last = Lowell Goller| first = Robert| date = March 16, 2006| title = Flags at Half Staff in Honor of Sandra Lee Wirth| url = https://www.couriercountry.com/articles/flags-at-half-staff-in-honor-of-sandra-lee-wirth-3/| url-status = live| work = Warsaw's County Courier| location = Warsaw, New York| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220316201938/https://www.couriercountry.com/articles/flags-at-half-staff-in-honor-of-sandra-lee-wirth-3/| archive-date = March 16, 2022| access-date = March 16, 2022}}</ref>
==Erie County Democratic Committee Chair (1996-2002)== Pigeon became chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee in 1996. He was 36.<ref>{{cite news |last= McCarthy |first= Robert J.|date= September 29, 1996|title= Pigeon Takes Party Helm, Calls for Unity |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeon-takes-party-helm-calls-for-unity/article_15fb08be-787c-53e5-95b2-c2d8ecd4441b.html |work= The Buffalo News|location=Buffalo, NY |access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316212610/https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeon-takes-party-helm-calls-for-unity/article_15fb08be-787c-53e5-95b2-c2d8ecd4441b.html|archive-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski helped install Pigeon after a split with previous county leader James Sorrentino in 1995.<ref>{{cite news |last= McCarthy |first= Robert J.|date= Apr 16, 1995|title= Gorski-Sorrentino Split Factures Democrats |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/gorski-sorrentino-split-fractures-democrats/article_888b9cc7-9079-5b40-845a-5b330b365144.html |work= The Buffalo News|location=Buffalo, NY |access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316213624/https://subscribe.buffalonews.com/e/limit-reached-bn?returnURL=https://buffalonews.com/news/gorski-sorrentino-split-fractures-democrats/article_888b9cc7-9079-5b40-845a-5b330b365144.html|archive-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
Pigeon took the reins as New York Democrats sought to recover from setbacks in the Republican Revolution, most notably Mario Cuomo's loss to George Pataki in the 1994 New York gubernatorial election. He continued to support Bill Clinton in the 1996 United States presidential election. He gained clout by fostering the careers of Democrats including Charles Schumer in 1998 United States Senate election in New York and Eliot Spitzer in the 1998 New York Attorney General election who each won against incumbent Republicans.<ref name="Sondel" />
Simultaneously, Pigeon would also antagonize members of his own party by breaking ranks, first attempting to nominate billionaire Tom Golisano as a Democrat for the 1998 New York gubernatorial election then backing his run on the ballot line of the Independence Party of New York.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Robert J. |title=Piegon Sets Sights on State Chairmanship |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeon-sets-sights-on-state-chairmanship/article_2fc0da02-7f4a-53a0-970d-5d84889baa9f.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=The Buffalo News |date=Nov 15, 1998 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220317213905/https://buffalonews.com/news/pigeon-sets-sights-on-state-chairmanship/article_2fc0da02-7f4a-53a0-970d-5d84889baa9f.html |archive-date=17 March 2022 |location=Buffalo, NY}}</ref>
Gorski himself lost his seat in 1999 to Joel Giambra, and Republicans won a number of county and judicial offices during this period. Republicans also carried the county for statewide office on multiple occasions. At the same time, Pigeon became known for supporting billionaire Tom Golisano, who had run as a third-party candidate (i.e. not a Democrat) in statewide elections.
All these actions generated considerable opposition to Pigeon's chairmanship among many Democratic leaders, such as Assemblymen Arthur Eve and Robin Schimminger, County Clerk David Swarts, and Amherst Democratic Chairman Dennis E. Ward. After the losses in the 1999 election, Pigeon was continually and publicly opposed by various factions in the party. In 2002, Masiello and Assemblyman Paul Tokasz decided to remove Pigeon, and he was replaced as chairman by Len Lenihan.
==Post-Chairman career==
===Work for Byron Brown=== In 2002, Pigeon helped elect Byron W. Brown to the New York State Senate. He became a top aide to Brown. Brown later disassociated himself with Pigeon in the run-up to the 2005 mayoral election in Buffalo, which Brown won. Pigeon left the Senate payroll in 2004. Pigeon later became a consultant to the Underberg & Kessler law firm in Buffalo.
===Work for NXIVM=== {{Broader|NXIVM|Keith Raniere|Clare Bronfman}} By his own account, Pigeon worked for NXIVM from 2003 to 2011.<ref name=HeiressToFelon>{{cite web|first=Will|last=Yakowicz|title=From Heiress To Felon: How Clare Bronfman Wound Up In 'Cult-Like' Group Nxivm|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2019/05/31/from-heiress-to-felon-how-clare-bronfman-wound-up-in-cult-like-group-nxivm/|date=May 31, 2019|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=Forbes}}</ref> Based in Clifton Park, New York, a suburb of Albany, NXIVM purported to be a multi-level marketing company that offered personal and professional development seminars through its "Executive Success Programs" of large-group awareness training.<ref>{{cite web|first=Courtney|last=Shea|title=How Nxivm Targeted Women |url=https://www.chatelaine.com/living/nxivm/|date=February 8, 2019|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=Chatelaine}}</ref>
From its start NXIVM was under a cloud. Its leader Keith Raniere formed the company after his multi-level marketing company, Consumers Buyline, collapsed amid accusations it ran as a pyramid scheme.<ref name= "TimesUnion20120220">{{cite news|first=James M.|last=Odato|title= 'Ample evidence' to justify investigation |date= February 20, 2012 |access-date= January 23, 2022 | work = Times Union |url= https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Ample-evidence-to-justify-investigation-3337402.php}}</ref>
Pigeon's work for NXIVM followed the group's recruitment of Sara Bronfman and Clare Bronfman of the wealthy Bronfman family. Their heavy involvement in the company led their father Edgar Bronfman Sr. to comment in an October 2003 Forbes Magazine article that NXIVM was "a cult.".<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Freedman|title=Cult of Personality|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2003/1013/088.html?sh=519296c31853|date=Oct 13, 2003|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=Forbes}}</ref> According to the Times Union, NXIVM "developed a reputation for aggressively pursuing critics and defectors who broke from its ranks, including using litigation to punish critics of Raniere, the organization, or its training methods."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/FBI-shifts-mountain-of-data-in-NXIVM-s-seized-13254160.php |title=FBI shifts mountain of data in NXIVM's seized computers |first=Brendan J. |last=Lyons |date=September 24, 2018 |website=Times Union}}</ref>
Frank Parlato, a former publicist for NXIVM turned adversary wrote, "''It was Stone, and political consultant and lawyer, G. Steven Pigeon who got me a consulting job with NXIVM,''" in September 2007. <ref>{{Citation | last =Parlato | first =Frank | author-link = | title =Roger Stone Helped Take Down NXIVM | newspaper =Artvoice | pages = | date =July 22, 2019 | url =https://artvoice.com/2019/07/22/roger-stone-helped-take-down-nxivm/ | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20190725041959/https://artvoice.com/2019/07/22/roger-stone-helped-take-down-nxivm | archive-date =July 25, 2019 | access-date =January 22, 2022 }}</ref>
In 2009, Sarah and Clare Bronfman brought the 14th Dalai Lama to speak in Albany at an event where Raniere was on the dais. Pigeon was noted as having invited multiple Buffalo notables to the event, including Golisano.<ref>{{Citation | last =Kelly | first =Geoff | author-link = | title =Odds & Ends | newspaper =Artvoice | pages = | date =May 22, 2009 | url =https://artvoice.com/issues/v8n21/news_briefly/odds_and_ends.html | access-date =January 26, 2024 }}</ref>
In 2018, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York arrested and indicted several members of NXIVM, including leader Keith Raniere and Clare Bronfman. In May 2018, a search warrant was executed at the home of NXIVM executive (and "Prefect") Nancy Salzman. Along with a hoard of cash were dossiers on "enemies" and prominent individuals; materials concerning Pigeon were included.<ref>{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Gavin|title=NXIVM's files on 'enemies' debated in court |url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/NXIVM-s-files-on-enemies-debated-in-court-13844301.php |date=May 14, 2019|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=Albany Times Union}}</ref>
Pigeon spoke with ''Forbes'' in 2019 about Clare Bronfman and NXIVM following the organization's collapse, and claimed Raniere had manipulated and controlled Clare Bronfman, "hook, line and sinker."<ref name=HeiressToFelon />
===2008 Elections and Responsible New York=== Pigeon was the top fundraiser in Western New York for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2008, and later raised money for Barack Obama's campaign. This activity included delivery of $1 million from Tom Golisano on the eve of Obama's nomination, as well as the formation of a political action committee named Responsible New York.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hakim |first1=Danny |title=Democrats Get Big Gift for Denver |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/us/politics/19convention.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |date=August 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324024203/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/us/politics/19convention.html |archive-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref>
Pigeon and Golisano spoke to several New York media outlets throughout the 2008 campaign season about how they viewed the election and Responsible New York PAC as a vehicle to reshape the New York State legislature.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Confessore |first1=Nicholas |title=Golisano Aims Millions at N.Y. Legislative Races |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/nyregion/09billionaire.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=New York Times |date=July 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126044537/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/nyregion/09billionaire.html |archive-date=January 26, 2021}}</ref>
===2009 State Senate leadership crisis=== {{Broader|2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis}}
The 2008 elections would drastically change the status quo in New York State. From 1965 until 2008, the New York State Senate had been controlled by Republicans.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/nyregion/05york.html|title=Democrats Are Poised to Control Albany|last1=Confessore|first1=Nicholas|author-link=Nicholas Confessore|last2=Hakim|first2=Danny|date=November 5, 2008|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 10, 2009}}</ref> Democrats were able to win a majority in the 2008 elections. Steve Pigeon's patron Tom Golisano had donated $5 million to the Democrats' campaigns.<ref name="cityroom_June_8">{{cite news|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/revolt-could-imperil-democratic-control-of-senate/|title=Republicans Seize Control of State Senate|last1=Peters|first1=Jeremy W.|last2=Hakim|first2=Danny|date=June 8, 2009|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 8, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090612083318/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/revolt-could-imperil-democratic-control-of-senate/| archive-date= June 12, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="wsj0620">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124545232856832773 |title=New York's Cleansing Coup |last=Fund |first=John |date=June 20, 2009 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=July 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724050754/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124545232856832773.html |archive-date=July 24, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Dissatisfaction with the job that Majority Leader Malcolm Smith was doing was growing with his fellow Democrats, as well as with Golisano.<ref name="cityroom_June_8" />
Pigeon, in concert with Tom Golisano, set up a series of private meetings between Republican senators Dean Skelos, Tom Libous, and George D. Maziarz, and rogue Democratic senator Pedro Espada Jr. The first meeting took place at a club in Albany, followed by one at Golisano's house in Rochester, followed by a series at Espada's house in Albany. Espada said that Senator Monserrate was the only one among his fellow Democrats that knew of the meetings.<ref name="nytimes_golisano">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/nyregion/10albany.html|title=Feeling Slighted, Rich Patron Led Albany Revolt|last1=Hakim|first1=Danny|last2=Confessore|first2=Nicholas|author-link2=Nicholas Confessore|date=June 9, 2009|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 8, 2009}}</ref>
Roger Stone, Republican strategist and political infighter may have been involved in the discussions, and according to Pigeon, knew about the plan in advance.<ref name="nytimes_golisano" /> Golisano, who recently moved to Florida, did not take part in the meetings at Espada's house, but was kept informed by Pigeon. On June 4, Pigeon told Golisano that the deal "was real solid," and on June 8, Golisano was in Albany to watch the events unfold from the Senate chamber balcony.<ref name="nytimes_golisano" />
During the Senate session on June 8, 2009, Republican Senator Thomas Libous proposed a resolution, similar to a motion of no confidence, that would allow for the election of a new leader of the Senate. The entire 32-senator coalition voted for the resolution. After the resolution was passed, but before the vote was recognized by officiating officer, Senator Neil Breslin, Senator Jeffrey Klein moved for adjournment. Libous demanded that his resolution be recognized, but instead Breslin quickly granted Klein's motion for adjournment. Republicans objected, claiming a majority of the Senate did not vote to adjourn. After Breslin declared the meeting adjourned, all but four Democratic senators walked out of the Senate chamber. The Democrats who stayed were Espada and Monserrate, who had voted for the resolution, and Carl Kruger and Ruben Diaz, who abstained from all voting during the course of events but stayed to show their support.<ref name="timesunion">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808223&category=REGION |title=Republicans flip Senate |last1=Odato |first1=James M. |last2=Karlin |first2=Rick |last3=Liu |first3=Irene Jay |date=June 9, 2009 |work=Times Union |access-date=June 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614024518/http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808223&category=REGION |archive-date=June 14, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
After the 28 Democratic senators walked out of the Senate chamber, Secretary of the Senate Angelo Aponte turned off the lights in the Senate chamber and stopped the TV broadcast of the Senate session.<ref name="DailyNews_key">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/06/10/2009-06-10_plotters_go_after_head_of_smith_ally.html |title=State Senate plotters targeting a loyal Malcolm Smith ally: Angelo Aponte |last1=Blain |first1=Glenn |last2=Lovett |first2=Kenneth |date=June 9, 2009 |work=Daily News |access-date=June 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614065725/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/06/10/2009-06-10_plotters_go_after_head_of_smith_ally.html |archive-date=June 14, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nevertheless, the remaining senators proceeded to vote for new leadership, removing Democratic Senator Malcolm Smith from his position as Majority Leader and Temporary President of the Senate, and replacing him with two people: Republican Minority Leader Dean Skelos as Majority Leader, and Pedro Espada as Temporary President.<ref group="note">The position is named "temporary" because the Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the State Senate, while the Temporary President is chosen by the senators. It is common, especially in the newsmedia, for the terms "temporary president", "president pro tempore", or "Senate president" to be used synonymously. In addition, the legal terminology has changed as the New York Constitution was changed. For more, see Majority Leader of the New York State Senate.</ref> Historically, the majority leadership and the temporary presidency of the Senate were held by the same person.<ref name="timesunion2">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808194 |title=Two Democrats join Republicans to topple Smith as Senate leader |last=Odato |first=James |date=June 8, 2009 |work=Times Union |access-date=June 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611052208/http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=808194 |archive-date=June 11, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, in the new arrangement, Espada was to be the Temporary President of the Senate, while Skelos would become Majority Leader.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/nyregion/09switch.html|title=G.O.P. Regains Control of New York State Senate |last1=Hakim|first1=Danny|last2=Peters|first2=Jeremy W.|date=June 8, 2009|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 10, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120326182917/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/nyregion/09switch.html| archive-date=March 26, 2012| url-status= live}}</ref>
Espada spent the remainder of his time in office under the cloud of negative press and investigations by law enforcement. He lost in 2010 to Gustavo Rivera. The following December, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York indicted Espada for six federal counts of embezzlement and theft. Espada vacated office in January 2011 and Steve Pigeon ceased working for the State Senate as well.
The Eastern District of New York convicted Espada in May 2012 and sentenced him to five years in prison.
===Erie County Legislature=== In 2010 Pigeon was part of a power-play that sacked Democrat Lynn M. Marinelli from the leadership of the Erie County Legislature, delivering it instead to Democrat Barbara Miller-Williams with the connivance of Republicans. The Buffalo News reported the deal as changing the legislature to the liking of Byron Brown, the Erie County Executive Chris Collins, and Tom Golisano.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Robert J. |title=Collins, Brown, Pigeon solidify positions |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/collins-brown-pigeon-solidify-positions/article_b11a5296-d518-5fc6-9ccb-0bb657dece88.html |access-date=March 16, 2022 |work=The Buffalo News |date=Jan 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316220646/https://subscribe.buffalonews.com/e/limit-reached-bn?returnURL=https://buffalonews.com/news/collins-brown-pigeon-solidify-positions/article_b11a5296-d518-5fc6-9ccb-0bb657dece88.html |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |location=Buffalo, New York |quote=Miller-Williams' ascension speaks to the mutual political aims of Collins and Mayor Byron W. Brown, while underscoring the influence of political insider G. Steven Pigeon with both.}}</ref>
==Controversies== Controversies dogged Pigeon over his entire political career. He was described as "abrasive" at the start of his time as chairman in 1996.;<ref>{{Cite web | title = Gorski Supporters are Divided about His Backing for Pigeon | last = McCarthy | first = Robert J. | work = Buffalo News | date = 1 May 1996 | access-date = 23 January 2022 | url = https://buffalonews.com/news/gorski-supporters-are-divided-about-his-backing-for-pigeon/article_c0258361-e1da-550c-ae5c-d180fc892709.html | quote = "I think Steve will be a strong chairman. He wakes up in the morning thinking government and Democratic politics, and he goes to bed at night thinking the same thing," the Gorski source said. "He can be rather abrasive, but I've seen him change. He'll be fine." }}</ref> he would still be called "abrasive" in 2016 after his fall from grace.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Past Rivals of Steve Pigeon Say This Week Was a Long Time Coming | author = Ryan Whalen | work = spectrumlocalnews.com | date = July 1, 2016 | access-date = 23 January 2022 | url = https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/politics/2016/07/1/steve-pigeon-western-new-york-progressive-caucus-erie-county-democratic-party-buffalo | quote = About four years into his tenure, Pigeon's abrasive style of politics had worn thin with some committee members. }}</ref> Pigeon accumulated numerous accusations of scandals both local and statewide.
===Political controversies=== Mr. Pigeon's name has been mentioned in connection with an election scandal in 2007 of the county executive campaign of former West Seneca Supervisor Paul T. Clark.<ref name="buff_Sedi">{{Cite web | title = Sedita can act on Pigeon case, some prosecutors say | author1 = Robert J. McCarthy | author2 = Michael Beebe | work = Buffalo News | date = 9 October 2009 | access-date = 23 January 2022 | url = http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/817004.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091009152126/http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/817004.html | archive-date = 9 October 2009 | language = | quote = | url-status = bot: unknown }}</ref>
Assistant Erie County District Attorney Mark Sacha published a complete statement accusing his boss, Frank A. Sedita III, of refusing to prosecute Steve Pigeon for election law violations.<ref>[http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/2009/09/28/mark-sacha-on-das-failure-to-prosecute-steve-pigeon/ Mark Sacha On District Attorney's Failure To Prosecute Steve Pigeon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001135108/http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/2009/09/28/mark-sacha-on-das-failure-to-prosecute-steve-pigeon/ |date=2009-10-01 }}, 2009.</ref>
Sam Hoyt's campaign spokesman Jeremy C. Toth filed a complaint against Pigeon and Responsible New York, which he sent to the district attorneys of Erie, Monroe, and Albany counties.<ref>[http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/responsible-new-york-complaint.pdf Responsible New York – Complaint] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009030441/http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/responsible-new-york-complaint.pdf |date=2011-10-09 }}, 2009.</ref> Toth hopes that the circumstantial case he makes that Responsible New York staff coordinated its activities with the Barbra Kavanaugh campaign—a felony—will compel the DAs to take a closer look at Pigeon and company.<ref>[http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/2008/10/10/chasing-pigeon-past-is-prologue/ Chasing Pigeon: Past Is Prologue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012052019/http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/2008/10/10/chasing-pigeon-past-is-prologue/ |date=2009-10-12 }}, 2009.</ref>
Erie County's Republican elections commissioner alleged that former Democratic Chairman G. Steven Pigeon laundered thousands of dollars from Buffalo Sabres owner B. Tom Golisano's political committee and others in an attempt to conceal the origin and circumvent contribution limits, in violation of state election law.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GOP official accuses Pigeon of laundering money from Golisano : City & Region : The Buffalo News |url=http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/472721.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025105216/http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/472721.html |archive-date=2008-10-25 |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=www.buffalonews.com}}</ref>
Pigeon was named as "a key figure" in the 2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis that removed the Democratic majority from leadership of the chamber in favor of a Republican minority. Pigeon was counsel for Senator Pedro Espada who, along with embattled Senator Hiram Monserrate, benefitted from the toppling of the Democratic majority. The crisis was reportedly provoked by the displeasure of Pigeon's benefactor Tom Golisano.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-06-10 |title=Feeling Slighted, Rich Patron Led Albany Revolt (Published 2009) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/nyregion/10albany.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820064022/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/nyregion/10albany.html |archive-date=2025-08-20 |access-date=2025-12-28 |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
In April 2010, Pigeon was linked to a federal probe involving Espada and accusations and tax fraud and money laundering. News reports linked Pigeon to the investigation based on payments made to an Espada-controlled company by a Buffalo-area firm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Espada probe includes Pigeon : City & Region : The Buffalo News |url=http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/17/1022632/espada-probe-includes-pigeon.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422084736/http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/17/1022632/espada-probe-includes-pigeon.html |archive-date=2010-04-22 |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=www.buffalonews.com }}</ref> Espada was subsequently indicted by both the New York State Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Espada was convicted in his federal trial 2012 and sentenced to 5 years in prison.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-06-14 |title=Disgraced ex-Sen. Espada Jr. gets 5 years in prison |url=http://www.myfoxny.com/story/22594078/disgraced-ex-sen-espada-jr-gets-5-years-in-prison |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503161925/http://www.myfoxny.com/story/22594078/disgraced-ex-sen-espada-jr-gets-5-years-in-prison |archive-date=2015-05-03 |access-date=2025-12-28 |work=MyFoxNY.com |language=en }}</ref>
===Guilty plea to state and federal corruption and bribery cases (2015–2018)=== In spring of 2015, Underberg & Kessler terminated Pigeon's employment at the firm. On May 28, 2015, state and federal investigators raided Pigeon's Buffalo waterfront house as part of a joint investigation into Pigeon and the independent expenditure political action committee Western New York Progressive Caucus (WNYPC).<ref>{{cite news|first=Justin|last=Sondel|work=City and State New York|title=The rise and fall of Steve Pigeon |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/personality/2017/09/the-rise-and-fall-of-steve-pigeon/181684/|date=September 1, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124000703/https://www.cityandstateny.com/personality/2017/09/the-rise-and-fall-of-steve-pigeon/181684/|archive-date=January 24, 2022 }}</ref>
On June 30, 2016, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman indicted Pigeon for bribery, extortion, and 7 other charges for a scheme where Pigeon attempted to gain favors from New York Supreme Court Justice John Michalek.<ref>{{cite news|first=Robert J.|last=McCarthy|work=The Buffalo News|date=June 30, 2016|url=http://politicsnow.buffalonews.com/2016/06/30/pigeon-appears-court|title=Political operative G. Steven Pigeon indicted on bribery, extortion and 7 other charges| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701135204/http://politicsnow.buffalonews.com/2016/06/30/pigeon-appears-court/|archive-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref> In October 2017, the United States Attorney for the Western District of New York indicted Pigeon on federal charges mirroring these charges.<ref>{{cite web|first=|last=|title=Pigeon's alleged bribery of judge included Obama campaign job|url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/steve-pigeon-indicted-on-charge-of-bribing-state-supreme-court-justice|date=October 6, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2022|website=WKBW-TV}}</ref>
In addition, on April 19, 2017, the New York State Attorney General indicted Pigeon and two others for illegally coordinating Western New York Progressive Caucuswith several candidates for Erie County Legislature and others starting in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web | title = A.G. Schneiderman Announces Felony Charges Against Steve Pigeon, Kristy Mazurek, And David Pfaff | author = Office of Attorney General | work = ag.ny.gov | date = 19 April 2017 | access-date = 24 January 2022 | url = https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2017/ag-schneiderman-announces-felony-charges-against-steve-pigeon-kristy-mazurek-and | quote =}}</ref>
In September 2018, Pigeon pled guilty to state charges of third-degree bribery in connection to his interactions with former New York Supreme Court Justice John Michalek.<ref>{{cite web|first=Christine|last=Streich|title=Political operative admits to bribing judge|url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/political-operative-admits-to-bribing-judge|date=Sep 28, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2022|website=WKBW-TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929003708/https://www.wkbw.com/news/political-operative-admits-to-bribing-judge|archive-date=September 29, 2018}}</ref> The campaign finance charges against Pigeon were dropped following this plea, but Pigeon's two associates (Kristy Mazurek and David Pfaff) pled guilty to misdemeanor charges directly dealing with Western New York Progressive Caucus indictment.<ref>{{Cite web | title = A.G. Underwood Announces Guilty Pleas Of Kristy Mazurek And David Pfaff | author = Attorney General of New York | work = ag.ny.gov | date = 20 November 2018 | access-date = 24 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806141408/https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2018/ag-underwood-announces-guilty-pleas-kristy-mazurek-and-david-pfaff | archive-date=6 August 2020 | url = https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2018/ag-underwood-announces-guilty-pleas-kristy-mazurek-and-david-pfaff | quote = }}</ref>
In the federal case, Pigeon pled guilty to a superseding felony information as part of a plea agreement on October 9, 2018, accepting responsibility for participation in a conspiracy to defraud the United States, for soliciting an illegal $25,000 campaign donation from a foreign national and then disguising the transaction. <ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7039403/42/united-states-v-pigeon/ | title =Superseding Information as to G. Steven Pigeon (1) count(s) 1s. (KLH) (Entered: 10/12/2018), United States v. Pigeon. Document #42. District Court, W.D. New York. Docket Number: 1:17-cr-00190 | last = | first = | date =October 9, 2018 | website = CourtListener | publisher = | access-date =January 23, 2022 | quote = }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7039403/43/united-states-v-pigeon/ | title =Plea Agreement as to G. Steven Pigeon. (KLH) (Entered: 10/12/2018). United States v. Pigeon. Document #43. District Court, W.D. New York. Docket Number: 1:17-cr-00190 | last = | first = | date =October 9, 2018 | website = CourtListener | publisher = | access-date =January 23, 2022 | quote = }}</ref>
In November 2018, the Grievance Committee of the Eighth Judicial District struck Pigeon from the rolls of attorneys licensed to practice in the state of New York.<ref>{{cite court|litigants=In the Matter of G. Steven Pigeon, a Disbarred Attorney, Respondent. Grievance Committee of the Eighth Judicial District, Petitioner. |vol= |reporter=New York State Law Reporting Bureau |opinion=2018 NY Slip Op 07636 [166 AD3d 1542] |pinpoint= |court=New York State Appellate Division, Fourth Department |date=November 9, 2018 |url=https://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2018/2018_07636.htm |access-date=March 16, 2022 |quote=Order entered, pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90 (4) (b), striking respondent's name from the roll of attorneys, effective September 28, 2018. |postscript=. }}</ref>
=== Guilty plea to sex offense in Erie County (2021–2023) ===
On December 1, 2021, the ''Buffalo News'' reported that the Erie County District Attorney investigated Pigeon for allegedly molesting a child. Pigeon denied the underlying accusations to the Buffalo News.<ref name="buffalonews.com"/>
The following day, Pigeon surrendered at a New York State Police barracks, and his arraignment was held in Erie County Supreme Court. The unsealed indictment charged Pigeon with five felonies and one misdemeanor: rape in the first degree; predatory sexual assault against a child; criminal sexual act in the first degree; sexual abuse in the first degree; endangering the welfare of a child.<ref name="www2.erie.gov"/> Pigeon entered a plea of not guilty to all charges at arraignment .<ref name="wivb.com" />
Pigeon was initially remanded as an inmate at the Erie County Holding Center. Speaking with press after the arraignment, Erie County District Attorney's Erie County District Attorney John Flynn opined that remand was justified due to the violent nature of Pigeon's alleged crimes, Pigeon's lack of a permanent home in the Buffalo area, as well as his attempts to contact the family of his accuser.<ref>{{Citation |title=Watch Now: DA John Flynn on charges against Steven Pigeon | date=2 December 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dced1iVRYk |language=en |access-date=2022-07-31}}</ref><ref name="wivb.com" />
On December 6, 2021, Pigeon appeared for a bail hearing before Supreme Court Judge William Boller, who set bail at $250,000 cash or $500,000 secured bond or $750,000 partially secured bond.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2021 |title=Judge sets bail for Steve Pigeon |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/judge-sets-bail-for-steve-pigeon-case-sexual-abuse-child-endangerment/71-8f805e87-aa0b-41ee-8dcb-21e8aa70638c |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=wgrz.com |language=en-US}}</ref> That evening, defense attorney Paul Cambria indicated Pigeon had left jail.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2021 |title=Steve Pigeon out on bail |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/steve-pigeon-lawyer-we-expect-him-to-be-released-from-custody-today-bail-set/71-902a37d2-dd72-4deb-a7e9-1770f8ccb580 |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=wgrz.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
On 22 December 2023, Pigeon pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of child sexual abuse and received a one-year sentence.<ref name=":0" /> A court hearing following his release labeled Pigeon a "sexually violent offender."<ref name=":3" />
{{As of|2025|12}} Pigeon is designated and publicly listed as a sex offender by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.<ref name=":4" />
==Notes== {{Reflist|group=note}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Sources== * [https://archive.today/20110610222014/http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/buffaloerie/story/702685.html "Once again, Pigeon at the center of political storm." ''The Buffalo News'', June 14, 2009.] * "Pigeon is still a player." ''The Buffalo News'', December 21, 2003. * "Power broker Pigeon still putting clout to work." ''The Buffalo News'', February 10, 2003. * "Final chapter in Democratic infighting." ''The Buffalo News'', September 8, 2002. * "You can never county Pigeon out." ''The Buffalo News'', May 12, 2002. * "Democrats in disarray after debacle." ''The Buffalo News'', November 4, 1999. * "Pigeon takes party helm, calls for unity." ''The Buffalo News'', September 29, 1996. * "Pigeon named to assist Shalala." ''The Buffalo News'', January 23, 1993.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pigeon, Steven}} Category:Living people Category:New York (state) Democrats Category:1960 births Category:2000 United States presidential electors Category:Politicians from Buffalo, New York Category:American people convicted of child sexual abuse Category:New York (state) politicians convicted of crimes