LOCAL LABOR HELPS HOCHUL WIN IN NY 26

Western New York--  Kathy Hochul has claimed victory in New York's 26th Congressional District. It's a result that would have surprised local observers several weeks ago, and one that has captured the attention of political minds around the nation.

Despite the $2.36 million spent by groups like Karl Rove's American Crossroads and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to keep the district red and the $60 per vote Conservative Republican candidate Jane Corwin spent herself, Hochul secured a clear victory in a traditionally Republican district.  Hochul becomes the fourth Democrat to represent the district since 1857.

Hochul becomes the fourth Democrat to represent the districtsince 1857.

Hochul becomes the fourth Democrat to represent the districtsince 1857.

Hochul, speaking at her headquarters at a UAW union hall in Amherst last night after her victory, said she received a gracious phone call from Jane Corwin shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, conceding the race.

Hochul openly thanked her union supporters and the Working Families Party.  She touched on a key issue in her victory by stating, "I look forward to balancing the budget the right way and not on the backs of our seniors!" Hochul said to rousing applause.

The issue of Medicare dominated the race down the stretch, as both outside liberal and conservative groups poured millions into the race.

Many of the congratulations Hochul received Tuesday night came from Democrat heavyweights Kirsten Gillibrand, Charles Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and the chair of the DNC Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.  They all mentioned the contentious issue of Medicare in their public repsonses.

Local labor got out the vote for Hochul

This victory has sent a clear message to those in Washington who want to trample over working families and the elderly by dismantling Medicare and privatizing Social Security.  And at the same time, the GOP agenda wants to give tax breaks to the richest Americans while facilitating a class war lodged between the poor and middle class-- commonly known as the "race to the bottom." 

The WNY Area Labor Federation and Rochester Genesee Valley ALF helped coordinate field activities with affiliated Locals in getting out labor's vote through phone calls, labor walks, work site flyers and local union mail. The following is a breakdown of activities by the numbers:

• 25,000 piece mailing to union households
• 30,000 phone calls (ID & GOTV)
• 50,000 robo calls
• 20,000 doors hit in walks (3 labor walks, including GOTV walks leading up to Election Day)
• 30,000 local union letters & flyers to members

What does it all mean?

Yesterday's special congressional election in our area may not be the start of a national trend, but it marks the first time the Democrats are on the offensive since they lost control of the House of Representatives last year.

In the last few special elections, Democrats did fairly well, but only one of those outcomes predicted a trend. November 2009 saw a Democrat win the special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District because a third party conservative candidate split the Republican vote.

In the 2010 mid-terms, a horrible outcome for Democrats, the party in power had a very hard time running on their accomplishments. Health care and the overhaul of Wall Street regulation were seen by many as too much of an intrusion of the government into the economy, still struggling from near collapse in 2008.

The primary change six months on is the strong Republican support for Ryan's Medicare plan. But like the president's health reform plan, opposition to the changes is stronger than support.  The GOP believes they know what's best for the American people-- but voters are not buying it one bit as evidenced by last night's trouncing in New York's 26th Congressional District.

The election last night also showed that Democrats have the keys to drive the budget debate and play offense in 2012.  However, progressive folks may have a difficult time helping the Democrat's hold on to the Senate majority with regard to the Citizens United v. FEC decision. With only a six seat majority, the Democrats have 23 seats to defend against the Republicans 10 in the 2012 elections.

The implications of Hochul's upset victory extend to Senate races in battleground states and red states across the country. The results provide clear evidence that Democratic senators and Senate candidates will be able to play offense across the country by remaining focused on the Republican effort to end Medicare and force seniors to pay thousands more for health care costs.  Republican lawmakers in the Senate have a tough decision to make-- go on record in support of the Ryan Plan and at the same time alienate over 75 percent of the electorate.

Democrats believe the political fallout from Rep. Paul Ryan’s controversial budget proposal was evident in their victory in last night’s results-- and later today they hope a Senate vote on Ryan’s proposal will cause even more problems for Republicans up for re-election next year.

It is incumbent on working families to continue to work hard and develop postive relationships with our elected officials.  Hochul's election also proves that people power can beat big money if we remain focused and organized.  This is progress. The real winners here are the voters and residents of the 26th District in New York.

And just as many House Democrats lost their seats because of their votes for health reform  last election cycle, all but four House Republicans who voted for the Ryan Plan may fear that that vote could come back to haunt them as the Democrats have found solid footing on issues that resonate with the majority of American voters.