April 25, 2009 04:03 AM UTC

Roll Tide! Murphy Wins in NY-20

• 1 Comments
• by: Raphael

Sorry for the foray outside Colorado politics, but I think today concession by Scott Tedisco to Scott Murphy is a pretty significant event.

We (anyone who reads any sort of news or is, well, alive right now) have been increasingly subjected to accusations that Obama’s policies are backfiring with the general population. To substantiate these claims they point to the (admittedly) strong Republican showing at the April 15th Tea Parties, or to (question) robo-call polling numbers indicating a slide in the numbers. Never mind that reputable polls contradict this:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/117…

http://www.nationaljournal.com…

Putting aside this point, the significance of Murphy’s win is continued below.

Republicans have a 70,000 voter registration edge in NY-20, the NRCC and RNC both invested heavily in this race. More than anything else of late, this was the clearest contrast between Obama’s message and Republicans’ attacks/counter-message.

And the Democrats won.

Murphy stood by the fiscal stimulus plan, labor unions, and other traditional Democratic policy priorities. Not only was he everything MesaModerate, Libertad, GOPWarrior, and their kin complain about in Democratic candidates, he was a carpet-bagger to boot! Murphy has only been living in the district for 3 or so years, while Tedisco was a local political staple, serving in the state legislature as minority leader. The point here being that Republicans had all sorts of mud, both policy-rooted and superficial, to throw at Murphy.

And Murphy still won.

I think this a the most clear sign we could possibly get on the attitude of the country as of now. Even voters in a conservative district haven’t bailed on the democrats, much less moderates or the liberal base. Maybe the pendulum will swing back some day, but it ain’t swinging now, and Republicans are still the ones without credibility.

I would argue that they haven’t made a clear level-headed case against democrats and Obama (and I do think there is one to be made), but at any rate…

Keep tryin’ guys, you ain’t got it yet.

And here’s Tedisco’s concession statement, just to give him the last word:

http://politicalwire.com/archi…

TEDISCO CONGRATULATES SCOTT MURPHY ON BECOMING THE NEXT CONGRESSMAN FOR NEW YORK’S 20th DISTRICT

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C-Saratoga) today issued the following statement after conceding the race for New York’s 20th Congressional district:

“Mary and I would like to thank the citizens of the 20th Congressional district for their kindness, courtesy and patience shown during this extended campaign. This was a closely contested election that perhaps lasted a little longer than anyone may have expected or wanted. But it was important for our electoral process and for the hard-working people of Upstate New York that it be resolved fairly and decisively.

“Earlier today, I called and congratulated Scott Murphy on a hard-fought contest and wished him well as the next Congressman of the 20th Congressional district. I also expressed my willingness to work with him to ensure that the families of Upstate New York are not left behind as our nation strives for economic recovery.

“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.

“Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all the volunteers, staff, supporters and – most importantly – my family, for their unending support and prayers. They all poured their blood, sweat and tears into this campaign and for that I will always be eternally grateful.”

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