Democrat Kathy Hochul won what was a Republicans chair in the House in a special political election held Tuesday in N.Y.’s 26th Congressional District. Hochul’s opponent was Republican Jane Corwin. Hochul narrowly won, 47 percent to 43 percent. Jack Davis, once a Democrat but now a Tea Party member, earned 9 percent of the votes.
Changes in Medicare don’t get candidates support
Hochul was very clear about the Medicare changes being considered. Ryan, the House Budget Committee Chairman, suggested these changes. These changes aren’t supported by Hochul in any means. In last week’s debate with Corwin, who supports Ryan’s spending budget plans, 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.”
Getting Medicare changes through the system
Ryan’s Medicare redesign was passed by the House on April 15 with all Democrats four Republicans opposing. The proposed changes include federally subsidized premiums for private insurance, and would apply to individuals who are now younger than 55.
Obama praises Hochul victory
On Tuesday, President Obama made a statement praising the Hochul win. “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
The idea that victory was depending on Medicare reform issues was debated by House Republican Leader Eric Cantor. ”This race is about the truth that it’s a three-way race,” Cantor said. He said this to reporters.
Chair vacated in sex scandal
Hochul will take the chair vacated in the wake of Republican Rep. Chris Lee’s sex scandal. 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.
More special elections slated
Later this year, there will be two more special House elections held. One, to be held in July, will be to replace California Democrat Jane Harman. In Sept, an election will be held in Nevada to replace Republican Dean Heller. The chair vacated by John Ensign will be filled by Heller in Senate.
Information from
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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