Statement by the President on the Election of Kathy Hochul to Congress
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.
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.”
PELOSI STATEMENT ON VICTORY OF KATHY HOCHUL IN NEW YORK’S 26TH
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
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.”
CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL’S STATEMENT ON CONGRESSWOMAN-ELECT KATHY HOCHUL’S
VICTORY IN NY-26
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.”
RNC
Chairman Priebus Statement on the NY-26 Special Election
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.”
Note: According to the Siena poll conducted from 5/18-5/20, 51%
of respondents cited either jobs, the budget deficit, or taxes as the
single most important issue in deciding which candidate to support.
Chairman Sessions Statement on NY-26 Special Election
Washington, DC – National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman
Pete Sessions (R-TX) released the following statement regarding the
special election in New York’s 26th Congressional District:
“Republican Jane Corwin ran a hard-fought campaign against two
well-funded Democrats, including one masquerading under the Tea Party
name. Obviously, each side would rather win a special election than
lose, but to predict the future based on the results of this unusual
race is naive and risky. History shows one important fact: the
results of competitive special elections from Hawaii to New York are
poor indicators of broader trends or future general election
outcomes. If special elections were an early warning system, they
sure failed to alert the Democrats of the political tsunami that
flooded their ranks in 2010.”