As a proud Hochul voter in NY-26, I want to thank everyone who brought national attention to here

[Godhumor]

Sure, mistakes were made on the Republican (and Tea Party) side, but to really understand NY-26 you need to understand the popularity of Chris Lee. The man was untouchable and people thought he represented our district extremely well in Congress. As a result, the only way he was going to lose his seat was scandal. A cellphone snapshot on Craig's List later, and we have an opening.

The Buffalo area gets a lot of flack for being red, but Republicans here tend to be fiscally conservative and socially moderate, broadly speaking. Jane Corwin, by the modern definition of the Republican party, was a "moderate" who had all the desirables thought necessary to be elected here in NY-26.

Hochul had built a solid reputation and was extremely popular, as well. She ran a clean campaign and stayed on issues as the Republican and Tea Party candidates tore each other apart in public (Including the well documented "shoving" incident).

Normally, our district escapes national scrutiny, but being considered a bellweather special election thrust us into the spotlight. I've read more about NY-26 on DU in the past week than I have seen in the national news in the past 10 years (Well, barring the Lee scandal, of course). People from outside the district began contributing, making phone calls, raising awareness and emphasizing that right here and right now a message must be sent that the public will not tolerate the Republican radical agenda.

I voted for Hochul yesterday. Today she is my new representative.

Thank you to everyone who helped in any way, large or small, to make this possible. Now we have to do this many times over in 2012. And I will be there helping all those who are also trying to take back their district.

Today is a good day.

[ejpoeta]

1. today is a good day. i am sure i know a couple people seething. but that's ok with me.

i've lived here all my life and never really realized just how red this area is until recently. and how impossible it seemed to turn this district blue. it took a scandal... well i'll take it. and of course, republicans trying to destroy medicare. i saw on facebook posts from local channel about the race. replies to the posts talked about how it was ridiculous to vote based on something that wasn't even possible. really? i look to what has been happening in other states myself..the stripping labor unions and abortion stuff. people just aren't paying attention to what is going on. sure these things are not really connected, but it is connected. this is what they want to do. they don't care what we want. and if given the chance, it is indeed what they will do. the idea that it isn't possible is ridiculous.

edited to clarify

[Godhumor]

2. It is a weird red, though. The social moderates always amaze me

District has an odd history, of, for example, being surprisingly for civil unions.

[ejpoeta]

3. i think generally you have people who generally want government out of personal businesll

so i guess maybe that means gay marriage and abortion too?