The Republicans who are battling to succeed U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik are intensifying their efforts behind the scenes as her confirmation to become U.N. ambassador in the administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump is expected to go through next week. According to the Adirondack Explorer, With the selection process underway, Republicans already in elected office battling for the post include state Sen. Daniel Stec, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, and state Assembly members Chris Tague and Robert Smullen.