A chair which had been held by the GOP in New York’s 26th Congressional District was won by Democrat Kathy Hochul in Tuesday’s special House election. Hochul’s opponent was Republican Jane Corwin. Hochul narrowly won, 47 percent to 43 percent. A third candidate, Democrat-turned Tea Party campaigner Jack Davis, garnered 9 percent of the votes.
Candidate against Medicare changes
The changes House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan suggested for Medicare were addressed quite a bit by Hochul. These changes are not supported by Hochul in any means. There was a debate with Ryan’s budget plan supporter Corwin last week where Hochul said: “I will fight any plan that tries to decimate Medicare. That is something people in this district feel passionately about, and I do as well.”
The win was something Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rep. Steve Israel commented on: “Even in one of the most Republican districts, seniors and independent voters rejected the Republican plan to end Medicare.”
Medicare changes passed by House
There were 15 democrats and 4 republicans that voted opposes Ryan’s Medicare plan on April 15. It was passed by the House still. People younger than 55 would be able to take advantage of the changes which would allow federally subsidizes premiums for those younger than 55.
Hochul’s win something Obama likes
President Obama praised Hochul in a statement Tuesday. “Kathy has shown, through her victory and throughout her career, that she will fight for the families and companies in western New York, and I anticipate working with her when she gets to Washington.”
Argument from Republicans
House Republican Leader Eric Cantor disputed the claims the victory was based on the Medicare reform problems. “This race is about the truth that it’s a three-way race,” Cantor said to reporters.
Sex scandal causes somebody to lose their job
A seat was lost when Republican Rep. Chris Less had a sex scandal. Hochul won’t take that seat in his place. Lee had nothing left to do but step down in February. There were shirtless photos of him shown publicly after he sent them to a woman he met on Craigslist.
Even more vacancies
This year, two more vacancies have to be filled. This will require two special House elections. One, to be held in July, will be to replace California Democrat Jane Harman. In Sept, a political election will be held in Nevada to replace Republican Dean Heller. Now Heller will be put in U.S. Senate. She is taking John Ensign’s spot.
Citations
Huffington Post
huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/24/new-york-special-election_n_866074.html
MSNBC
msnbc.msn.com/id/43161820/ns/politics-capitol_hill
Chicago Tribune
chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-pn-ryan-special-election-20110525,0,3908152.story
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