There's breaking news out of the 20th Congressional District. Democrat Scott Murphy has declared victory over Republican James Tedisco.
http://www.timesunion.com/...
Murphy's spokesman said Tedisco called to concede just a short time ago.
Murphy entered the race as the underdog, given that Republicans far outnumbered Democrats in the 20th District.
By the March 31st special election, however, Murphy had closed the gap in the polls, making the race has too close to call.
Since then, the outcome has hinged on absentee ballots, many of which were being challenged in court.
All the Bush men...Michael Steel, Newt Gingrich, John (Boner) Boehner, Eric Cantor, John McCain couldn't help Jim Tedisco and the Republicans pull out a victory in a predominantly Republican district.
This is a bad omen for Republicans in 2010.
Norm Coleman...it's time for you to concede as well. Give the people of Minnesota their fair representation and allow them their two senators.
Tedisco Concession:
"This was a close campaign every step of the way. Ultimately, it became clear that the numbers were not going our way and that the time had come to step aside and ensure that the next Congressman be seated as quickly as possible. In the interest of the citizens of the 20th Congressional district and our nation, I wish Scott the very best as he works with our new President and Congress to address the tremendous challenges facing our country."
TPM:
The NY-20 special election is now officially over, with Democrat Scott Murphy the winner.
GOP candidate Jim Tedisco, who trailed by 401 votes as of yesterday's vote count, has called Murphy to concede, according to Murphy spokesman Ryan Rudominer.
Murphy takes over in the seat from its previous Democratic occupant, Kirsten Gillibrand, whose appointment to the United States Senate set up the special election for this marginal district.
From DCCC Chairman: Chris Van Hollen:
"Congratulations to Congressman-elect Scott Murphy on his remarkable, come-from-behind victory. In this election, voters responded to Scott Murphy's record as a successful businessman who helped to create more than 1,000 jobs and his strong support for President Obama's economic recovery package.
"In trying to win the NY-20 special election, the RNC, NRCC, and their Republican allies went all in on the losing gamble that voters would prefer their ‘just say no' approach to President Obama's bold plans to get the economy back on track.
"Scott Murphy's victory in this district where Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 70,000 represents a rejection of the obstructionist agenda and scare tactics that have become the hallmark of House Republicans.
"With his commitment to reaching across the aisle to help President Obama enact his agenda for change, Scott Murphy will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus."
"I am grateful to President Obama, Vice President Biden, House Democratic Leaders, Governor Paterson, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, the entire New York Congressional Delegation, and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine for their work on behalf of and support of Scott Murphy."
http://dccc.org/...
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine:
"Republicans decided to make this race a referendum on President Obama's leadership of the economy and his jobs and economic recovery plan - and given the result we are thankful that they did. Scott Murphy embraced President Obama's approach to the economy and his message of change while his opponent embraced the politics of division and the failed economic policies that got our country into the mess we find ourselves in today. While the Republican Party and its candidates appear to have learned nothing from recent elections and the nation's obvious desire for change, I commend the voters in New York 20 for supporting Scott and giving the President another strong ally for change as the Obama Administration moves forward with its plans to reform healthcare, invest in clean energy and improve education."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
"As Speaker of the House, I congratulate Congressman-elect Scott Murphy on his impressive victory in the race for New York's 20th Congressional District. Scott's victory is a clear indication that Democrats, Independents, and Republicans across the country want to continue moving America in a New Direction and reject the 'just say no' policies of Washington, D.C. Republicans."
Are we are officially a "center-left" country yet... LOL?