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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathleen Hochul has lost her bid for re-election in the Republican-leaning district she won last year in a special election.
Hochul was defeated Tuesday by Republican Chris Collins, a former Erie County executive.
| 27th Congressional District |
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Exclusive WBEN Audio Collins with WBEN's David Bellavia
Chris Collins Victory Speech
Cong. Kathy Hochul addresses supporters before final vote totals |
Collins frequently tried to link Hochul to President Barack Obama's administration, as well as to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Hochul, meanwhile, had campaigned as an independent voice in Washington who often voted against the administration.
The race was a top draw for outside money in New York. A poll showed a dead heat in its final weeks. Hochul earlier in the night said the race was too close to call.
The sprawling 27th Congressional District stretches across eight counties and the suburban and rural towns between Buffalo and Rochester.
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STATEMENT FROM KATHY HOCHUL ON 2012 ELECTION “Early this morning I called Chris Collins and congratulated him on being elected to Congress. I encouraged him to work across the aisle and offered to assist him in any way I can. I also volunteered to help him make a smooth transition in January to ensure our constituents are well served. Congress can do better, and the people of this country deserve better than what Washington has given them.” |
In 2010, New York sent more new Republicans to Congress than any other state. Tonight, Chris Collins unseated another Democratic incumbent, proving that the Republican message of economic growth, job creation, lower taxes and fiscal discipline can be a political winner in every corner of the Empire State.
Chris Collins is a successful small businessman with 36 years in the private sector, saving and creating hundreds of good paying jobs in Erie, Niagara and Monroe counties.
As Erie County Executive, Chris took the county in the worst financial shape of any county in New York and reduced debt by over $120 million, created a cash surplus in excess of $100 million, reduced county employment by over 1,200 employees (22%) saving $72 million per year and reopened every bridge, road, park and beach that had been closed due to a lack of funding.
With over $16 trillion in debt, America's finances are in dire straights, and Chris Collins' voice will be a breath of fresh air to the tax-and-spend culture of Congress.
We congratulate him on his victory and welcome him into New York's Republican Congressional delegation.