To: Interested Parties
From: Bryan Lesswing, DCCC Northeast Press Secretary
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Re: The Case Against Claudia Tenney
The Case Against Claudia Tenney
Tonight marks the beginning of the general election in New York’s 22nd Congressional District between Kim Myers and Claudia Tenney.
There is a reason why National Republicans wanted “Anybody But” Claudia Tenney. In fact, Washington Republicans placed both of her opponents in their campaign assistance program because they knew that her extreme conservative record and penchant for personal insults was too out of step for this district.
Tonight’s recruitment fail will long haunt Washington Republicans.
The contrast could not be clearer between Tenney’s hyper-partisanship and Kim Myers’ record of bipartisan problem-solving to expand economic opportunities in the region and improve the lives of hardworking Upstate New York families.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report: Toss-up
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: Toss-up
The Cook Political Report: Toss-up
TOO EXTREME FOR UPSTATE NEW YORK
Out-of-Touch Conservative Agenda
If Tenney goes to Washington, she will fall right in line with her right-wing obstructionist colleagues, instead of standing up for her district. Look no further than her record:
- Anti-Women’s Health: When she announced her run for Congress, Tenney had already set her sights on attacking Planned Parenthood – an organization that provides affordable, high-quality health care to over 30,000 women, men and young people each year in Central and Western New York. Tenney also criticized the current retiring Republican incumbent for voting against efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.
- Anti-Economic Opportunity: Not only did Tenney reject raising the state’s minimum wage to $8.50, Tenney said on FOX News that “we should not have a minimum wage.” Tenney has also voted against equal pay for equal work, which would give hardworking families more money in their pockets.
- Anti-Equality: Tenney even voted against the Women’s Equality Act, which would “codify a woman’s right to choose an abortion, attempt to reduce gender-based pay discrimination, and strengthen protections for survivors of abuse.”
Whether it is restricting access to life-saving health care or shutting down opportunities to get ahead, Claudia Tenney sides against progress for hardworking families at every turn.
No-Show Albany Politician
In 2014, Tenney missed 480 votes in NY State Assembly, the third highest of all—and voted “No” on 25% of the votes she did show up for.
Insults Over Solutions
Claudia Tenney isn’t just extreme on the issues; she also personally insults those she disagrees with. Just look at her Twitter feed.
Last year, Tenney called the leader of the Oneina Nation Ray Halbritter “Spray Tan Ray” and claimed he “isn’t Oneida.” The Oneida Nation described her remarks as “hate speech.” In May, she called Halbritter a “race-baiting, tax cheat and schoolyard bully.”
Claudia’s knack for burning bridges isn’t surprising, as she said that she and Carl Paladino’s “core values are the same.”
CONCLUSION
With Tenney on the ticket, New York’s 22nd Congressional District is a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats – and Kim Myers stands ready to run on her record of bringing people together to deliver economic development in the region and improve quality of life for Upstate New York families.