I want to extend my congratulations to Congresswoman-elect Kathy
Hochul for her victory in New York's 26th Congressional District. Kathy
and I both believe that we need to create jobs, grow our economy, and
reduce the deficit in order to outcompete other nations and win the
future. Kathy has shown, through her victory and throughout her
career, that she will fight for the families and businesses in western
New York, and I look forward to working with her when she gets to
Washington.
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement tonight on Congresswoman-elect Kathy Hochul’s victory in the special election in New York’s 26th congressional district:
“Kathy Hochul’s victory tonight is a tribute to Democrats’ commitment to preserve and strengthen Medicare, create jobs, and grow our economy. And it sends a clear message that will echo nationwide: Republicans will be held accountable for their vote to end Medicare.
“Congresswoman-elect Hochul will add an independent, strong, passionate voice to the House Democratic Caucus as she works to build a better future for her constituents and for all Americans, bolster our middle class, support small businesses, and restore our economic prosperity.
“We look forward to welcoming her to the House of Representatives.”
DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz Says Democratic Victory in NY-26’s Special Congressional Election Shows Voters Want Medicare Protected, Not Abolished
Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz
released the following statement after Congresswoman-Elect Kathy
Hochul’s victory in the New York Special Election:
“I wholeheartedly congratulate Congresswoman-Elect Hochul and her
grassroots supporters for their hard work and dedication despite being
outspent by a 2-to-1 margin. Tonight’s election result is not just a
victory for Congresswoman-Elect Kathy Hochul, it’s a victory for the
residents of Western New York and for Americans who believe that our
elected leaders should fight to protect Medicare and ensure that our
government works for our seniors, working families and young
people. Kathy’s Republican opponent, and those who spent a small
fortune on her behalf in a solidly Republican district, found out the
hard way that their extreme plans to abolish Medicare and slash
Medicaid and investments in health care, education, innovation and job
creation are wrongheaded and unpopular even in a district that should
have been a cakewalk for the Republican candidate.
“Just a few months ago, former Republican Congressman Lee won the 26th
district with 74 percent of the vote – but since that time Republicans
have voted to end Medicare and place a whole host of additional burdens
on seniors, young people and working families while preserving tax
breaks for millionaires, billionaires and big oil and they have been on
the wrong side of public sentiment every since.
“Tonight’s result has far-reaching consequences beyond New York.
It demonstrates that Republicans and Independent voters, along with
Democrats, will reject extreme policies like ending Medicare that even
Newt Gingrich called radical. With this election in the rear-view
mirror, it is my hope that Republicans will accept the message being
sent by voters in this race, in the polls and at town hall meetings
across the country and work with Democrats to get our fiscal house in
order while protecting Medicare and other initiatives vital to our
economic recovery.”
DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement on Kathy Hochul’s victory in the Special Election in New York’s 26th Congressional District
“Today, the Republican plan to end Medicare cost Republicans $3.4 million and a seat in Congress. And this is only the first seat.
“Congratulations to Congresswoman-elect Kathy Hochul on her upset victory. Kathy is committed to strengthening Medicare and she will be a wonderful Representative for New York’s 26th district.
“We served notice to the Republicans that we will fight them anywhere in America when it comes to defending and strengthening Medicare.
“Even in one of the most Republican districts, seniors and independent voters rejected the Republican plan to end Medicare. The American people will continue to hold House Republicans accountable for their plan to end Medicare from now until election day 2012.”
WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement this evening regarding the special election in New York’s 26th Congressional District:
“Jane Corwin ran a strong campaign in spite of facing a Democrat and a Democrat posed as a Tea Party candidate, both of whom sought to distract from the central issues in the minds of voters: restoring our economy and creating jobs. If we have learned anything from these results it is that Democrats will stop at nothing to preserve the status quo in Washington which is propelling our country towards bankruptcy. Kathy Hochul’s reckless disregard for the looming insolvency of critical government programs and our crushing debt will allow her to feel right at home in Nancy Pelosi’s Democrat caucus. There is no question Kathy Hochul will have a tough time holding onto this seat in 2012 with Barack Obama and his failed economic leadership weighing heavily on the minds of western New York voters when they return to the polls.”
