Medicare Issue Swings Dem To Win NY Election Long Held By GOP

AP has called Kathy Hochul the winner of the congressional race held today in upstate New York's 26th district.

This was a race that medicare played the major role in.

Paul Ryan's plan to kill Medicare was the major factor for campaigning and voting. Long-time Republicans voted against their party.

One section of the district that went 70% Republican in the last election was won by Democrat Hochul.

Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader, commented,

"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."

Robert Zerban, Paul Ryan's Democratic opponent in his Wisconsin district, issued this statement:

"Tonight it is clear that Representative Paul Ryan's plan to end Medicare is the wrong choice for our families, and we will not stand for it. Voters in New York's 26th Congressional District rejected Paul Ryan's backward vision of America that puts our seniors at risk. If New Yorkers don't want Medicare replaced with a voucher plan, you can be sure that families here in Wisconsin's First District will have something to say in the next election. Wisconsinites put our trust in Paul Ryan only to be sold out to special interests.

"I'd like to congratulate New York's new Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Hochul for winning this strongly-held Republican district. We have our work cut out for us to put our nation back on track, but ordinary people have spoken up tonight to say, "Hands off our Medicare, Paul Ryan."

This election was about medicare. But the Republicans are also playing a very, very dangerous game with the debt limit, already passing one deadline. It is looking more and more likely that the pendulum will swing the other way in 2012. Of course, more and more are saying that it doesn't make that big a difference, that both parties are corporate parties.