by
Murphy
News A-1
Congress
080205
NARR (:33): Republicans hold only 6 of the 29 districts in New York, and they may have difficulty holding onto those. Syracuse area republican James Walsh has announced his retirement. Democrats would like to win that seat as well as hold onto gains they made in 2006. That's when democrats John Hall, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Michael Arcuri won districts held by republicans in the lower Hudson Valley, Saratoga Springs area, and central New York. Political scientist Doug Muzzio, who frequently comments on elections and public opinion, says the republicans have no time to waste.
TAPE: MUZIO (:14): They're gonna go after those three newly elected representatives because if you don't get them the first time, the incumbency effect makes it much more difficult. So those three races, including the Hall race, are very important.
NARR (:08): The Republican State Party says all three of those seats will be targeted. But one seems especially pressing for the G.O.P.
TAPE: MATT WALTER (:11): It's a seat that John Hall has not been doing a very effective job of representing his constituents there and we think it's one come November will be back in Republican hands.
NARR (:04): Matthew Walter is Communications Director for the New York State Republican Party.
TAPE: MATT WALTER (:09): We think that that is one of the most important races in the State, and certainly one where there is an opportunity to pick up the seat.
NARR (:19): Republican Sue Kelly once held that seat. The district covers parts of Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties, an area that had been a republican stronghold; Kelly held office for ten years. Democratic State party Chair June O'Neill says her party won't be satisfied to maintain its already sizeable lead.
TAPE: JUNE O'NEILL (:14): The last time around we're very proud that we picked up three seats: John Hall, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Mike Arcuri. So the goal this time around is to maintain those seats as well as to pick up additional seats.
NARR (:26): Unfortunately for republicans, retirements have spread nationwide. Two dozen congressmen have said they will not seek reelection. Muzzio thinks the republicans could have a tough road ahead, not only in New York, but nationally as well. But even he acknowledges it's a little early, and as former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani recently learned, the political landscape can change very quickly.
SOC: This is Kyle Murphy, Columbia Radio News.
Total time: 2:19, NOT INCLUDING HOST INTRO.