JAMES TEDISCO CONCEDES CONGRESSIONAL RACE TO SCOTT MURPHY

Don Moore ccSCOOP News 04-24-09 - 5:15 p.m. The hard fought Special Election for the 20th Congressional came to an end late Friday afternoon when Republican James Tedisco conceded to Democrat Scott Murphy with the following statement: "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."

Scott Murphy issued a statement immediately following that said: “First and foremost, I wish to thank the voters in this election for putting their faith and trust in me. I can't wait to get to work on their behalf in Washington. "I thank Assemblyman Jim Tedisco for his kind words today. It was an honor to compete with him in this hard-fought campaign. I look forward to working with him to move Upstate in the right direction. "My thanks to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her extraordinary leadership and support for my campaign. Living up to her example of honest representation and hard work is something I will aspire to do every day. "I'd like to thank President Obama and Vice President Biden for supporting my campaign and for their inspiring leadership for our country. I can't wait to start working with the President to deliver the urgently needed recovery funds to Upstate New York. “

Regarding the outstanding legal and voting issues, here is what we know so far. One attorney close to the Murphy campaign said that the remaining absentee ballots will be counted. As for the suits filed by then candidate James Tedisco, two knowledgeable New York attorneys both responded that since Tedisco is no longer a candidate, he no longer has standing to sue and the suits die.

And all the organizations, political party and otherwise, that were waiting, along with the 160,441 voters of the 20th Congressional District whose votes had been counted, for a decision also added their own voices to the released statement list. These included:

Chris Van Hollen, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC): "Congratulations to Congressman-elect Scott Murphy on his remarkable, come-from-behind victory.” Full Statement

Tim Kaine, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, said, "Scott Murphy's long-awaited victory is proof positive that Americans, even in this heavily Republican district, support the President and want him to succeed and the result is a repudiation of the failed policies of the past touted by Republicans." Full Statement

Senator Pete Sessions, Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee said, "As the latest vote totals reflect, there still remain thousands of absentee and military ballots that have to be counted. Rest assured that Republicans will ensure that the integrity of the election is protected and every vote is counted. As it stands now, there is a Republican advantage in the number of absentee and military ballots that have been returned.

"With that being said, Jim Tedisco has closed the gap in a district that has come to exemplify Democratic dominance in the Northeast in recent elections. That is a testament to the strength of Jim’s campaign and the effectiveness of the Republican message of fiscal responsibility and accountability that Americans are demanding in the wake of the AIG scandal. I am very proud of Jim and the efforts of the campaign workers.”  Full Statement

And how much did the campaign cost the candidates?  The latest reports to the Federal election campaign as of April 15, 2009, showed that Murphy raised and spent more. The Democrat’s committee raised $1,696,441, while the Republican raised $1,231,168. And Murphy was reportedly in a better position to balance his ledger with total expenditures of $1,800,314, but $187,126 cash on hand, while Tedisco spent $1,288,842, but only had $122,325, not enough to cover the expenses. Both candidates loaned their campaigns funds from their personal checkbooks, Tedisco $200,000, and Murphy $250,000, with none of these funds reportedly repaid.

Don Moore is a writer and communications specialist living and working in Hudson, New York. Among his career turning points are stints as an education journalist, congressional staffer, arts administrator and lobbyist, and higher education communications and development manager.