NY-20: The End
Twenty-four days after a special election that drew national attention, voters in NY-20 finally have a Rep.-elect. Assemb. Jim Tedisco (R) conceded the race this afternoon to businessman Scott Murphy (D).
Over the last week, Tedisco saw Murphy's lead increase from around 180 to a 401-vote edge. And since only about 550 ballots remain to be counted, that lead, however small, would have been impossible for Tedisco, who led at one point in the counting process, to overcome.
The cocophany of voices calling for Tedisco to end his challenge to the race grew in recent days. Tedisco has heard several prominent GOPers, including ex-NRCC Chairs Tom Reynolds (R-NY) and Tom Davis (R-VA), suggest the race was over. And state Sen. Betty Little (R), a cousin of Murphy's who was also considered for the GOP nomination, said 4/22 that Tedisco's legal battle shouldn't "drag out."
The two may face off again in '10, but Tedisco may have to survive a primary if he wants to a rematch.
Meanwhile, DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen congratulated Murphy for overcoming a Democratic registration deficit in the district.
"Congratulations to Congressman-elect Scott Murphy on his remarkable, come-from-behind victory," Van Hollen said. "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."
He added: "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."
(TIM SAHD)
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