U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson claimed victory over Democratic challenger Julian Schreibman in the 19th Congressional District race. With 99 percent of the precincts reporting their results, Gibson touts 53 percent of the votes in the newly-drawn district, compared to Schreibman’s 47 percent.
The new district was redrawn during the summer to reflect New York’s population shift. The candidates were vying for a district that included more Democrats and independent voters this time around as it now stretches into Ulster and Sullivan Counties.
Even though this suggested a possible change among voting preferences, the republican incumbent held favor.
Addressing his supporters Tuesday night at the Winding Brook Country Club in Kinderhook, Columbia County, Gibson reminded the public of the importance of a joint effort between Republicans and Democrats, citing the Clinton Administration as a time when the United States elected a democrat leader and a republican-filled Congress.
“Let’s learn from the lessons of the past,” Gibson said. “We not only balanced the budget, but we also had a surplus.”
Gibson also said he will work hard for the nation’s farmers as he pushes for the Farm Bill of 2012.
Jobs, the state’s natural resources and health care were pressing topics for both candidates during the campaign. In the most recent debate on Oct. 24 at the State University of New York at Oneonta, each candidate attacked his opponent’s platform.
Schreibman said that Gibson’s vote to end Medicare, end funding to Planned Parenthood and to criminalize abortion, even in cases of rape or incest, countered the American people’s view of women’s health care.
Gibson’s rebuttal brought attention to Schreibman’s lack of an economic plan, saying it would result in higher taxes and a larger national deficit. Following his re-election, Gibson said that under his leadership he will strive for Congress to balance the budget without increasing taxes.
Conceding defeat after the election, Schreibman offered his support and congratulations to Gibson.
“I wish him good health, energy and wisdom to represent all of us in the 19th Congressional District,” Schreibman said “While we have differed on many issues, he has served with honor during his time in Congress. It has been an incredible experience meeting so many wonderful people across the Hudson Valley and the Catskills and I look forward to the next chapter in my life.”
