DCCC Executive Director Kelly Ward released the following statement after Congressman Chris Gibson announced his retirement in New York’s 19th Congressional District:
“Congressman Gibson is the second House Republican to jump ship and abandon Speaker Boehner’s toxic Republican Congress. Before the gavel has even dropped, Boehner’s members have begun running for the hills in fear of having to defend their anti-middle class agenda.
“Speaker Boehner’s Republican Congress has the same reckless priorities they’ve had in the past, and now they’re marred in scandal right at the outset. No Republican will want to defend that record to their constituents.
“Voters in New York’s 19th District are fiercely independent – backing President Obama in 2008 and 2012 – and they will back a Democrat who fights for the middle class. This seat will be one of the most competitive in the country as Republicans try to defend their indefensible special interest agenda against a strong Democratic candidate who reflects the values of the district and will stand up for the middle class.”