Amid the hoopla of President-elect Obama's stirring victory, I'd like to give a big shout-out to those who helped Democrat Eric Massa defeat Randy Kuhl in New York's 29th Congressional District.
Congressman Kuhl, who represents portions of Monroe and Ontario Counties as well as all of Steuben, Alleghany, Chemung, Cattaraugus, Schuyler and Yates Counties, barely eked out a win over Massa in 2006, winning by about 6,000 votes (out of roughly 206,000 cast).
This is a guy who has an 87.5 rating from the American Conservative Union, which is second among New York's 29 members of the House. He voted for the war. He advocated New York City Secession during his time in New York's state legislature. He is staunchly against abortion rights, gun control and anything that keeps the filthy rich from lining their pockets (although, to be fair, he DID vote against the first bailout bill).
Eric Massa, a 24-year Navy veteran, left the Republican Party because of his objections to the Iraq War. He is a strong proponent of universal health care; he is a strong advocate for local farmers; and he is also a firm advocate for full funding of the VA, which has been repeatedly shortchanged by the Bush Administration.
So congratulations to Congressman Massa, and those who helped him get elected.