:2009 New York's 20th congressional district special election
{{short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2009 New York's 20th congressional district special election
| country = New York
| flag_year = 1901
| type = by-election
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 20
| previous_year = 2008
| next_election = 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 20*
| next_year = 2010
| election_date = {{Start date|2009|03|31}}
| seats_for_election = New York's 20th congressional district
| image1 = File:ScottMurphy2009CampaignStop.jpg
| nominee1 = Scott Murphy
| party1 = New York State Democratic Committee
| popular_vote1 = 80,833
| percentage1 = 50.23%
| swing1 =
| image2 = File:Tedisco Headshot.jpeg
| image_size = 150x150px
| nominee2 = Jim Tedisco
| party2 = New York Republican State Committee
| popular_vote2 = 80,107
| percentage2 = 49.77%
| swing2 =
| map_image = 150px
| map_size =
| map_caption = County results
Murphy: {{legend0|#8da9e2|50-60%}}
Tedisco: {{legend0|#ed8883|50-60%}}
| title = U.S. Representative
| before_election = Kirsten Gillibrand
| before_party = New York State Democratic Committee
| after_election = Scott Murphy
| after_party = New York State Democratic Committee
}}
{{ElectionsNY}}
On March 31, 2009, New York held a special election to fill a vacancy in its 20th congressional district. In January, the district's representative, Kirsten Gillibrand, was appointed US senator from New York, replacing Hillary Clinton, who had been appointed Secretary of State in the Obama administration. The two major-party candidates were Scott Murphy, a Democrat and private businessman, and Jim Tedisco, a Republican and the minority leader of the New York State Assembly. A Libertarian candidate, Eric Sundwall, was initially included in the race, but later removed from the ballot.
The 20th congressional district has historically been conservative, and early polls favored Tedisco, but by February 2009 the race was considered a toss-up. The Republican Party considered the election to be a referendum on President Obama's economic policy and as such, injected significant funding into Tedisco's campaign, using well-known Republicans such as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Congressional Minority Leader John Boehner, and former New York governor George Pataki for support. Democrats used Senator Gillibrand, Vice President Joe Biden, and an endorsement from President Obama to support the Murphy campaign.
Major issues brought up during the campaign were the candidates' positions on President Obama's stimulus plan, which Tedisco did not take a stance on until late in the race. Murphy supported it while Tedisco eventually opposed it. Tedisco portrayed Murphy's support of the plan as a potential cause of the AIG bonus scandal. Tedisco's campaign also brought up Murphy's failure to pay taxes on a company he founded in the 1990s. A frequent Murphy talking point was that Tedisco's primary residence was not in the Congressional district.
The race was so close that one early vote count had the candidates tied at 77,225 votes each. Absentee ballots decided the election; ballots were accepted until April 13. While Tedisco had been ahead in early counts, by April 10 Murphy was leading, and by April 23 Murphy had a 401-vote advantage. Tedisco conceded the race the following day, and Murphy was sworn in on April 29. Democratic electoral successes in November 2008 and Murphy's clear support of the stimulus package were credited for his success.
Background
{{Main|New York's 20th congressional district}}
New York's 20th congressional district in 2009 encompassed all or part of Columbia, Dutchess, Delaware, Essex, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/congdist/NY20_110.pdf |title=Congressional District 20 |publisher=National Atlas of the United States |access-date=November 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904120331/http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/congdist/NY20_110.pdf |archive-date=September 4, 2014 }} Traditionally conservative, it had been considered a safe seat for Republicans{{#tag:ref|After redistricting in 2002, then-Congressman John E. Sweeney was quoted as saying that "no Republican can ever lose" the district.{{cite journal |title=Murphy's Law: One Democrat's defeat explains how the party lost the House |last=Romano |first=Andrew |journal=Newsweek |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2010/11/03/the-anatomy-of-one-democrat-s-loss.html# |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=November 14, 2010}}|group=Note}} until Blue Dog Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand defeated incumbent John E. Sweeney in the 2006 election.{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Steinhauser|title=Gillibrand's House seat could be GOP opportunity|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/23/special-election-for-gillibrands-house-seat-could-be-opportunity-for-gop/|work=CNN|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|location=Atlanta, GA|date=January 23, 2009|access-date=January 30, 2009|archive-date=December 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208034528/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/23/special-election-for-gillibrands-house-seat-could-be-opportunity-for-gop/|url-status=dead}} In November 2008, the Republican Party held an enrollment advantage of 70,632 registered voters across the district, down from a 93,337-voter advantage when the district lines were drawn by the New York State Legislature in 2002.{{cite web|title=NYSVoter Enrollment by Congressional District, Party Affiliation and Status|publisher=New York State Board of Elections|url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_nov08.pdf|date=November 1, 2008|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101203154/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_nov08.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Total Enrollment by Congressional District|publisher=New York State Board of Elections|date=January 28, 2004|url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_jun02.pdf|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101205709/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_jun02.pdf|url-status=dead}} Although Republican George W. Bush carried the district by an eight-point margin in the 2004 presidential election,{{cite news|first=Michael |last=Barone |title=Political Bloodlines of Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator From New York |url=https://www.usnews.com/blogs/barone/2009/1/26/political-bloodlines-of-kirsten-gillibrand-senator-from-new-york.html |work=U.S. News & World Report |publisher=Kerry F. Dyer |location=Washington, DC |date=January 26, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205145118/http://www.usnews.com/blogs/barone/2009/1/26/political-bloodlines-of-kirsten-gillibrand-senator-from-new-york.html |archive-date=February 5, 2009 }} Democrat Barack Obama won the district in 2008 by a three-point margin, or approximately 10,000 votes of over 330,000 cast.{{cite web|title=NY-20: Traditionally Red District Turned Blue in 2008 |last=L |first=James |url=http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4324 |date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=April 5, 2009 |publisher=Swing State Project |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202175202/http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4324 |archive-date=February 2, 2009 }} Gillibrand was reelected in 2008 by 24 points, a fourfold increase over her 2006 margin.
One of Barack Obama's first decisions as president-elect was to appoint Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senator from New York and former Democratic presidential primary opponent, as Secretary of State; Clinton resigned her Senate seat to take the position.{{cite news |title=Obama's Former Rival Clinton Joins His Team |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=December 28, 2010 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/01/AR2008120102649.html}} The district's seat became vacant in January 2009 when Governor David Paterson appointed Gillibrand to the United States Senate to replace Clinton. On February 23, 2009, Governor Paterson issued a proclamation setting the date for the special election as March 31, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.ny.gov/governor/keydocs/proclamations/pdf/proc_special_election-2009.pdf |title=Special Election Twentieth Congressional District Proclamation |access-date=March 12, 2009 |last=Paterson |first=David A. |date=February 23, 2009 |publisher=State of New York Executive Chamber |location=Albany, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324235337/http://www.ny.gov/governor/keydocs/proclamations/pdf/proc_special_election-2009.pdf |archive-date=March 24, 2009 }} Under state law, Paterson was not required to issue a proclamation for a special election until July 2010.{{cite news|first=Casey|last=Seiler|title=Paterson: No hard timeline for 20th special election|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/2715/paterson-no-hard-timeline-for-20th-special-election/ |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = January 27, 2009 |access-date = January 30, 2009}} Both the Rothenberg Political Report and the Cook Political Report listed the race as a toss-up.{{cite web| url = http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2009/02/2010-house-ratings.html| title = 2010 House Ratings| access-date = March 11, 2009| date = February 25, 2009| work = The Rothenberg Political Report| publisher = Stuart Rothenberg | location = Washington, D.C.}}{{cite web| url = http://www.cookpolitical.com/charts/house/competitive_2009-02-05_12-25-20.php| title = 2010 Competitive House Race Chart| access-date = March 11, 2009| date = February 5, 2009| work = The Cook Political Report| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120806160732/http://cookpolitical.com/charts/house/competitive_2009-02-05_12-25-20.php| archive-date = August 6, 2012| df = mdy-all}}
Candidates
In lieu of party primaries, the party nominees were chosen by a weighted vote among the county committees. The weight of the vote depended on the population of registered party voters (Republican or Democrat) in a given county.{{cite news|first=Emily|last=Cadei|title=New York Party Bosses to Choose Ballot Names|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527065312/http://www.rollcall.com/news/-73185-1.html|archive-date=May 27, 2016|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/-73185-1.html|work=CQ Politics|publisher=Congressional Quarterly |location=Washington, DC|date = January 26, 2009|access-date = February 11, 2009}} [http://cqdevmobile.cdgsolutions.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003018132&cpage=1 Alt URL]
= Republican Party =
State Senator Betty Little and former state Assembly minority leader and 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate John Faso had been in the running for the Republican nomination.{{Cite news|title=Betty Little Announces Plans To Replace Gillibrand |url=http://www.wptz.com/news/18550042/detail.html |newspaper=WPTZ |publisher=Hearst Television |location=Plattsburgh, NY |date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=January 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718122159/http://www.wptz.com/news/18550042/detail.html |archive-date=July 18, 2011 }} Richard Wager, a former aide to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and State Senator Stephen Saland had also been mentioned.{{cite news|first=Maury|last=Thompson|title=Bulman, Richter may seek Gillibrand's seat|url=http://poststar.com/news/local/article_7458b0dd-8339-5581-9d6b-92fec8053c57.html|newspaper = The Post-Star |location = Glens Falls, NY|date = January 23, 2009 |access-date = October 29, 2010}} Alexander "Sandy" Treadwell, the former New York Secretary of State and 2008 U.S. House challenger, had announced he would not run.{{cite news|first=Nathan L.|last=Gonzales|title=New York 20: Treadwell Not Running|url=http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-york-20-treadwell-not-running.html|work=The Rothenberg Political Report|publisher=Stuart Rothenberg|location=Washington, DC|date = January 24, 2009 |access-date = January 30, 2009}} On January 24, State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco received the endorsement of Saratoga County's Republican chairman,{{cite news|first=Maury|last=Thompson|title=Saratoga County GOP backs Tedisco|url=http://www.poststar.com/blogs/?p=16631&cat=259|work=The Post Star|location=Glens Falls, NY|date=January 24, 2009|access-date=January 30, 2009|archive-date=January 31, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131111842/http://www.poststar.com/blogs/?p=16631&cat=259|url-status=dead}} while the Greene County GOP endorsed Faso.{{Cite news |first=Tim |last=O'Brien |title=Greene County GOP goes with Faso |url=http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/2672/greene-county-gop-goes-with-faso/ |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = January 24, 2009 |access-date = January 30, 2009}}
Jim Tedisco was the eventual Republican nominee, winning the GOP nomination on January 27, 2009.{{cite news |first = Curtis |last = Schick |title = GOP picks Tedisco to run on Republican ticket |url = http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/132480/gop-picks-tedisco-to-run-on-republican-ticket/ |newspaper = YNN Capital Region |publisher = Time Warner Cable |location = Albany, NY |date = January 28, 2009 |access-date = January 30, 2009 |archive-date = August 6, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120806211903/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/132480/gop-picks-tedisco-to-run-on-republican-ticket/ |url-status = dead }} Tedisco represented the 110th Assembly District, which includes a significant portion of Saratoga County.{{Cite web |url = http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/James-Tedisco/map/ |title = District Map |access-date = October 28, 2010 |publisher = New York State Assembly |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131101041957/http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/James-Tedisco/map/ |archive-date = November 1, 2013 |df = mdy-all }} Tedisco's primary residence was not in the congressional district, although he did own a house in Saratoga Springs and much of his assembly district overlapped the congressional district.{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/10818/gillibrand-gaining-steam/ |title = Gillibrand gaining steam |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = January 22, 2009 |access-date = October 28, 2010 |first = Rick |last = Karlin}} This issue would become a major talking point during the campaign.
= Democratic Party =
On January 31, The Post-Star reported that the Democrats had narrowed the field of potential candidates from over two dozen applicants down to six. The Democratic chairpersons met with all six candidates at a diner in Albany on February 1, and selected Scott Murphy of Glens Falls,{{Cite web |url = http://congress.org/congressorg/bio/id/26601 |title = Rep. Scott Murphy (D-NY 20th District) |work = Congress.org |publisher = Economist Group |access-date = October 28, 2010}} president of the Upstate Venture Association of New York,{{Cite news |first=Carol |last=DeMare |title=Democrats tap new face in 20th District |url=http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7452098 |newspaper=Times Union |location=Albany, NY |date=February 2, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2009 |page=A1 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120344/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7452098 |url-status=dead }} as their candidate.{{cite news |first = Curtis |last = Schick |title = Democrats choose Murphy for 20th district race |url = http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/132791/democrats-choose-murphy-for-20th-district-race/ |newspaper = YNN Capital Region |publisher = Time Warner Cable |location = Albany, NY |date = February 2, 2009 |access-date = February 5, 2009 |archive-date = October 31, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131031230045/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/132791/democrats-choose-murphy-for-20th-district-race/ |url-status = dead }}{{cite news|first=Maury|last=Thompson|title=Democratic candidate list shrinks|url=http://poststar.com/news/local/article_3612feec-1fd7-5714-8e9d-a701ab10429b.html|work=The Post Star|location=Glens Falls, NY|date = January 31, 2009 |access-date = February 5, 2009}} Other confirmed candidates included Saratoga County Democratic Chairman Larry Bulman, former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter, Coxsackie Town Supervisor Alex Betke,{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/01/20th-cd-jockeying-begins.html |title=20th CD Jockeying Begins |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York, NY |first=Elizabeth |last=Benjamin |date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=November 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620090424/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/01/20th-cd-jockeying-begins.html |archive-date=June 20, 2012 }} and Tracey Brooks, failed candidate for the nomination for the 21st district election in 2008.{{cite news|first=Josh|last=Kurtz|title= GOP Optimistic About Possible Gillibrand Special Election|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/31674-1.html|work=Roll Call|publisher=Economist Group|location=Washington, DC|date = January 22, 2009 |access-date = January 30, 2009}}
= Third parties =
New York allows electoral fusion, which is an arrangement allowing two or more qualified parties to list the same candidate on a ballot.{{Cite journal|url=http://www.willamette.edu/centers/publicpolicy/projects/oregonsfuture/PDFVol11no3/06Fall_Remedy.pdf |title=An Old-time Remedy for our Electoral System: Fusion Voting |first=Barbara |last=Dudley |year=2006 |access-date=October 30, 2010 |journal=Oregon's Future |publisher=Willamette University |pages=13–14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316083222/http://www.willamette.edu/centers/publicpolicy/projects/oregonsfuture/PDFVol11no3/06Fall_Remedy.pdf |archive-date=March 16, 2012 }}{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/3053/mike-bloomberg-independent-except-all-party-labels |title=Mike Bloomberg: Independent, Except for All the Party Labels |date=April 13, 2009 |access-date=October 30, 2010 |first=Steve |last=Kornacki |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115111/http://www.observer.com/3053/mike-bloomberg-independent-except-all-party-labels |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} The Conservative Party chose to cross-endorse Tedisco on February 9,{{Cite news |url = http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/09/tedisco-gets-conservative-nod/ |title = Tedisco Gets Conservative Nod |newspaper = The Journal News |location = White Plains, NY |date = February 9, 2009 |access-date = October 29, 2010 |first = Joseph |last = Spector |archive-date = November 1, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131101071715/http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/09/tedisco-gets-conservative-nod/ |url-status = dead }} while the Working Families Party gave its endorsement to Murphy on February 17.{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2005/working-families-party-backs-murphy-independence-line-still |title=Working Families Party Backs Murphy, But Independence Line Still In Play |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=February 17, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115034/http://www.observer.com/2005/working-families-party-backs-murphy-independence-line-still |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}{{Cite press release |url = http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/2009/02/new-york-working-families-backs-scott-murphy-for-congress/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090618073059/http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/2009/02/new-york-working-families-backs-scott-murphy-for-congress/ |url-status = dead |archive-date = June 18, 2009 |title = New York Working Families Backs Scott Murphy for Congress |date = February 17, 2009 |access-date = October 29, 2010 |publisher = Working Families Party }} On March 1, the Independence Party, the largest third party in the 20th district,{{Cite news |url = http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/513755.html?nav=5008 |title = State Independence Party backs Murphy |date = June 17, 2010 |access-date = October 29, 2010 |newspaper = Adirondack Daily Enterprise |location = Saranac Lake, NY |first = Nathan |last = Brown |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110719070758/http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/513755.html?nav=5008 |archive-date = July 19, 2011 |df = mdy-all }} gave its endorsement to Murphy.{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/11987/murphy-wins-the-independence-endorsement-in-20th-cd/ |title = Murphy wins the Independence endorsement in 20th CD |date = March 1, 2009 |access-date = October 29, 2010 |first = Leigh |last = Hornbeck |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY}} This was the first time the Independence Party had endorsed a Democrat in the district.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/muprhy-wins-indy-line-battle.html |title=Murphy Wins Indy Line Battle |date=March 1, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2010 |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York, NY |first=Elizabeth |last=Benjamin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616145433/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/muprhy-wins-indy-line-battle.html |archive-date=June 16, 2012 }}
Eric Sundwall, Chair of the New York Libertarian Party, was the Libertarian candidate for the seat. However, he was removed from the ballot on March 25, after 3,786 of the 6,730 signatures his campaign had collected were ruled invalid.{{Cite news |first = Leigh |last = Hornbeck |title = Libertarian removed from ballot |url = http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7681899 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120430132532/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7681899 |url-status = dead |archive-date = April 30, 2012 |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = March 26, 2009 |access-date = October 26, 2010 |page = A3 }} Under state election law, independent congressional candidates must collect at least 3,500 valid signatures to be on the ballot.{{cite web| title= N.Y. Elec. L. § 6-142(2)(e)| url= http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/law/2008NYElectionLaw.pdf| work= State of New York 2008 Election Law| publisher= New York State Board of Elections| location= Albany, NY| pages= 176| access-date= March 26, 2009| archive-date= June 11, 2014| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140611025229/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/law/2008NYElectionLaw.pdf| url-status= dead}} Two Saratoga County residents challenged over 6,000 of Sundwall's signatures; Sundwall blamed Tedisco for the effort to have him removed from the ballot.{{Cite news| last = Liu| first = Irene Jay| title = Sundwall endorses Murphy |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY | date = March 27, 2009| url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12877/sundwall-endorses-murphy/}} The vast majority of the rejected signatures were from voters who put down their mailing address instead of the municipality in which they physically lived. Votes for Sundwall on absentee ballots, which were mailed out before he was removed from the ballot, were voided. On March 27, Sundwall announced that he would vote for Murphy in the election and urged his supporters to join him.{{cite web|title=Campaign Statement |last=Sundwall |first=Eric |publisher=sundwall4congress.org |url=http://www.sundwall4congress.org/2009/03/campaign-statement.html |date=March 27, 2009 |access-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503061636/http://www.sundwall4congress.org/2009/03/campaign-statement.html |archive-date=May 3, 2009 }}
Campaign
The campaigns agreed to hold four debates.{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12055/scott-murphy-will-be-at-least-one-debate-by-himself/ |title = Scott Murphy will be at least one debate by himself: updated |first = Leigh |last = Hornbeck |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = March 3, 2009 |access-date = October 31, 2010}} The first debate took place on March 2, between Tedisco and Murphy.{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2281/first-debate-murphy-presses-tedisco-stimulus-course |title=In First Debate, Murphy Presses Tedisco on Stimulus, of Course |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=March 3, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115619/http://www.observer.com/2281/first-debate-murphy-presses-tedisco-stimulus-course |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2283/first-debate-offers-little-clash |title=Not Much Daylight Between Tedisco and Murphy in the First Debate |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=March 3, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115634/http://www.observer.com/2283/first-debate-offers-little-clash |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} The second debate, sponsored by WMHT and the Times Union, took place on March 19 between Murphy and Libertarian candidate Eric Sundwall.{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2290/sundwall-says-he-has-enough-signatures-wants-tediscos-spot-debate |title=A Libertarian Wants the Tedisco Spot in a Congressional Debate |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=March 4, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115711/http://www.observer.com/2290/sundwall-says-he-has-enough-signatures-wants-tediscos-spot-debate |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12606/sundwall-and-murphy-to-debate-tedisco-doing-his-own-thing/ |title = Sundwall and Murphy to debate, Tedisco doing his own thing |first = Leigh |last = Hornbeck |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = March 18, 2009 |access-date = October 31, 2010}} Jim Tedisco held a town hall meeting rather than attend, claiming the debate was not one of the four originally agreed upon.{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2591/instead-murphy-sundwall-debate-3d-tedisco-peoples-town-hall |title=Instead of the Murphy-Sundwall Debate, '3D' Tedisco Plans 'People's Town Hall' |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=March 19, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115721/http://www.observer.com/2591/instead-murphy-sundwall-debate-3d-tedisco-peoples-town-hall |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} The third debate took place on March 23{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2695/better-or-worse-tedisco-turns-debate-blitz-against-murphy |title=At Forum, Murphy's Stimulus Is Tedisco's Pork |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=March 4, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115733/http://www.observer.com/2695/better-or-worse-tedisco-turns-debate-blitz-against-murphy |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}{{Cite news |url = http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/136245/murphy-and-tedisco-debate-as-election-date-challenged/ |title = Murphy and Tedisco debate as election date challenged |first = Curtis |last = Schick |date = March 25, 2009 |access-date = October 31, 2010 |newspaper = YNN Capital Region |publisher = Time Warner Cable |location = Albany, NY |archive-date = October 31, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131031230935/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/136245/murphy-and-tedisco-debate-as-election-date-challenged/ |url-status = dead }} and the final debate was on March 26.{{Cite news |url = http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/135335/20th-district-candidates-meet-for-final-debate/ |title = 20th District candidates meet for final debate |first = Curtis |last = Schick |date = March 27, 2009 |access-date = October 31, 2010 |newspaper = YNN Capital Region |publisher = Time Warner Cable |location = Albany, NY |archive-date = March 6, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120306043625/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/135335/20th-district-candidates-meet-for-final-debate/ |url-status = dead }}{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2744/debate-murphy-echoes-obama-tedisco-cites-experience |title=In the Last Debate, Murphy Echoes Obama, Tedisco Cites Experience |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=March 4, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616120108/http://www.observer.com/2744/debate-murphy-echoes-obama-tedisco-cites-experience |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}
Strategists from both parties viewed the outcome of the race as a "referendum on President Obama's handling of the economy". Chairman Michael Steele of the Republican National Committee said the special election was the first of three elections that were "incredibly important" for the Republicans to win.{{cite news|title=Steele Focused on 3 Critical Races in Rebuilding GOP|newspaper=Fox News|publisher=News Corporation|date=January 31, 2009|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/steele-focused-on-3-critical-races-in-rebuilding-gop/|access-date=April 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109073841/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/31/steele-focused-critical-races-rebuilding-gop/|archive-date=November 9, 2013|url-status=live}} The Republican leadership made this race a top priority, and Chairman Steele, former Governor George Pataki, House Minority Leader John Boehner, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich helped Tedisco with fundraising. Steele visited the district twice.{{cite news|first=John|last=Bresnahan|title=Dem closing in key N.Y. House race|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/19881.html|newspaper=Politico|publisher=Allbritton Communications|location=Arlington, VA|date = March 11, 2009 |access-date = March 12, 2009}} On the Democratic side, Senator Gillibrand appeared in commercials and robocalls for Murphy, and Senator Chuck Schumer helped Murphy's campaign with fundraising. Less than a week before the election, President Obama formally endorsed Murphy in a mass email to supporters{{cite news|first=Joseph|last=Spector|title=Obama For Murphy|url=http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/03/25/obama-for-murphy/|newspaper=The Journal News|location=White Plains, NY|date=March 25, 2009|access-date=March 25, 2009|archive-date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101071846/http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/03/25/obama-for-murphy/|url-status=dead}} and urged supporters to organize and vote for Murphy.{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/25/obama-flexes-political-mu_n_178801.html|title=Obama Flexes Political Muscle, Enters NY Congressional Race|author=Sam Stein|newspaper=Huffington Post|date = March 25, 2009}} A radio ad Vice President Joe Biden recorded for Murphy was released on March 25. That same day, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine emailed 500 of the party's top donors asking them to contribute to Murphy's campaign.{{cite news|first=Jonathan|last=Martin|title=Biden cuts radio ad in New York race|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/20488.html|newspaper=Politico|publisher=Allbritton Communications|location=Arlington, VA|date = March 25, 2009 |access-date = March 26, 2009}}
File:ScottMurphyCampaignStop.jpg Kirsten Gillibrand at a campaign stop on March 29, 2009{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12898/gillibrand-campaigns-for-murphy/ |title = Gillibrand campaigns for Murphy |first = Irene Jay |last = Liu |date = March 28, 2009 |access-date = October 31, 2010 |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY}}]]
The RNC spent $100,000 on Tedisco's behalf.{{cite press release|title=RNC Invests in Northeast |publisher=Republican National Committee |date=March 12, 2009 |url=http://oldgop.gop.com/News/NewsRead.aspx?GUID=fdc883b3-a131-4fe0-b189-ace050abc5bd |access-date=March 12, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711113344/http://oldgop.gop.com/News/NewsRead.aspx?GUID=fdc883b3-a131-4fe0-b189-ace050abc5bd |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }} The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spent $150,000{{cite news|title=SEIU spends $90K in NY-20|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/campaigns/34209-seiu-spends-90k-in-ny-20/|newspaper=The Hill|location=Washington, DC|date = March 12, 2009 |access-date = March 17, 2009}} and the Service Employees International Union spent $315,000 for Murphy.{{cite news |title = New York Has a Referendum on Obama |first = John |last = Fund |newspaper = The Wall Street Journal |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123819802789561863 |date = March 28, 2009 |access-date = May 15, 2009 |location = New York, NY}} The New York State United Teachers made an effort to call its members on Murphy's behalf, while the National Right to Life, National Republican Trust and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association organizations paid for ads and mailings supporting Tedisco.{{Cite news |url = http://www.worldmag.com/webextra/15232 |title = Going into overtime |date = April 1, 2009 |access-date = October 29, 2010 |newspaper = WORLD Magazine |location = Asheville, NC |first = Alisa |last = Harris}}
Each candidate aimed to discredit the other by pointing out his opponent's flaws or mistakes. Republicans called attention to Murphy's failure to pay taxes on a start-up computer software company he had founded in the 1990s, drawing comparison to three high-profile Obama administration nominees who failed to pay all of their taxes.{{cite news|first=Josh|last=Kraushaar|title=Murphy is GOP's next tax target|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18438.html|newspaper=Politico|publisher=Allbritton Communications|location=Arlington, VA|date = February 5, 2009 |access-date = February 5, 2009}} Tedisco also called attention to Murphy's failure to regularly vote in elections{{cite news|first=David M.|last=Halbfinger|title=Stimulus Is Early Focus in Race for Gillibrand's Seat|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/nyregion/24house.html|newspaper=The New York Times| date = February 23, 2009| access-date = February 24, 2009}} after the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced that Murphy had failed to vote in the 2000 presidential election, along with seven other primaries and general elections between 2000 and 2003.{{cite news|first=Tatiana|last=Zarnowski|title=National GOP accuses Murphy of missing elections in 2000-03|url=http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2009/feb/19/0218_rncballots/ |newspaper = The Daily Gazette |location = Schenectady, NY | date = February 19, 2009| access-date = February 24, 2009}} Believing the negative ads run by the NRCC were responsible for his drop in the polls, Tedisco announced that he would take control of campaign advertising from the NRCC.{{Cite news|url=http://poststar.com/news/local/article_686f0a2b-7fb2-5824-ada0-18eafcefd6e1.html |title=Tedisco shakes up campaign after drop in Siena poll |first = Maury |last = Thompson |newspaper = The Post-Star |location = Glens Falls, NY |date = March 12, 2009 |access-date = November 1, 2010}}
Murphy spent the first months of the campaign criticizing Tedisco's early refusal to disclose his position on President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. When Tedisco came out in opposition to the legislation on March 16, Murphy responded by writing "it's just shameful it took well over a month for Assemblyman Tedisco to finally admit that he'd vote 'No'".{{Cite news |title=Murphy: Tedisco's Delay Was 'Shameful' |newspaper = The New York Observer |location = New York, NY |date = March 16, 2009 |access-date = October 29, 2010 |url=http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/murphy-tediscos-delay-was-shameful |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616114103/http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/murphy-tediscos-delay-was-shameful |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |first = Jimmy |last = Vielkind}} Murphy's campaign described Tedisco as a career Albany politician.{{Cite news |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |title=Tedisco Blasts Murphy Over Ad |url=http://www.observer.com/2434/tedisco-blasts-murphy-over-ad |date=March 11, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616114136/http://www.observer.com/2434/tedisco-blasts-murphy-over-ad |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}
By mid-March, a provision in the stimulus package that grandfathered in bonuses paid to executives at troubled insurance giant AIG and other TARP recipients became a campaign issue. Tedisco, who had been criticized by Murphy for opposing the package, used the outrage over the AIG bonuses to reframe the debate.{{cite news|first=Liz|last=Sidoti|title=NY election seen as referendum on stimulus|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=APAB&p_theme=apab&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=NY%20election%20seen%20as%20referendum%20on%20stimulus&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(%22NY%20election%20seen%20as%20referendum%20on%20stimulus%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|publisher=Associated Press|date = March 22, 2009|access-date = April 30, 2009}} On March 19, Tedisco called for the resignation of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner over the AIG controversy.{{Cite news|title=Tedisco Targets Geithner On AIG, Murphy Targets Tedisco On Stimulus |date=March 19, 2009 |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/tedisco-targets-geithner-on-ai.html |access-date=October 29, 2010 |last=Benjamin |first=Elizabeth |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321021742/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/tedisco-targets-geithner-on-ai.html |archive-date=March 21, 2009 }} Murphy responded by insisting that the stimulus package was necessary for job creation.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/03/bonus-backlash-dem-strategy/1704/ |title=Bonus Backlash: Dem Strategy |first = Chris |last = Good |newspaper = The Atlantic |date = March 20, 2009 |access-date = November 1, 2010}}
= Media endorsements =
- March 22, 2009: Declaring "the upcoming special election in the 20th Congressional District nothing less than a referendum on the Obama economic stimulus plan", the Kingston-based Daily Freeman endorsed Murphy for his support of the plan.{{Cite news |title=Editorial: Murphy for Congress |url=http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/03/22/opinion/doc49c2b9de0077d943104275.txt |newspaper=Daily Freeman |location=Kingston, NY |date=March 22, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2009 |archive-date=February 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220005408/http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/03/22/opinion/doc49c2b9de0077d943104275.txt |url-status=dead }}
- March 22, 2009: Expressing a desire for "having candid, dissenting voices in any political body to keep the majority from going astray", the Poughkeepsie Journal endorsed Tedisco.{{Cite news |title = Editorial: Tedisco is best choice for Congress |url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1703946591.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+22%2C+2009 |newspaper = Poughkeepsie Journal |location = Poughkeepsie, NY |date = March 22, 2009 |access-date = October 26, 2009 |page = A12 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121104092457/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1703946591.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+22,+2009 |archive-date = November 4, 2012 |df = mdy-all }}
- March 26, 2009: Calling him "{{Bracket|not}} ideal... {{Bracket|but}} the better candidate", the Glens Falls-based The Chronicle gave Jim Tedisco its endorsement.{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/files/2009/03/glens-falls-chronicle-tedisco-endorsement.pdf |title = Scoop: Tedisco for Congress |first = Mark |last = Frost |date = March 26, 2009 |access-date = October 29, 2010 |location = Glens Falls, NY |newspaper = The Chronicle }}
- March 26, 2009: The New York Post gave its support to Jim Tedisco, calling him "a far better fit for the largely conservative district".{{Cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/item_G80I82qIDMGIhFma1E8nJM;jsessionid=C18CDA3B1ECBA2D2EC49CB2AB1E6060E |title=Tedisco For The 20th |newspaper=New York Post |location=New York, NY |date=March 26, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020215501/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/item_G80I82qIDMGIhFma1E8nJM%3Bjsessionid%3DC18CDA3B1ECBA2D2EC49CB2AB1E6060E |archive-date=October 20, 2012 }}
- March 29, 2009: While acknowledging Tedisco's role in creating the STAR Program and his vocal support for a property tax cap, The Times Union endorsed Murphy as "a candidate who would work with Mr. Obama to achieve his goals".{{Cite news |title = Editorial: Scott Murphy in the 20th |url = http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7721095 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120430132516/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7721095 |url-status = dead |archive-date = April 30, 2012 |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = March 29, 2009 |access-date = March 29, 2009 |page = B4 }}
- March 29, 2009: Citing the need for "an experienced, effective representative in Congress", The Post-Star endorsed Tedisco.{{cite news|title=Tedisco is the choice|url=http://poststar.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_d67ade0d-3f84-5cbb-9b6b-09be9e9e52d6.html|newspaper=The Post-Star|location=Glens Falls, NY|date = March 29, 2009|access-date = March 29, 2009}}
- March 29, 2009: Impressed by his "public service, experience and political philosophy", as well as his opposition to a union card check bill, The Saratogian endorsed Tedisco.{{Cite news |title=Political Endorsement: Public service, experience |url=http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49cee3227093e937924250.txt |newspaper=The Saratogian |location=Saratoga Springs, NY |date=March 29, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2009 |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419133539/http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49cee3227093e937924250.txt |url-status=dead }}
- March 29, 2009: Claiming that "Tedisco has the track record that will make him a solid check and balance in Washington", the Troy Record endorsed Tedisco.{{cite news|title=Editorial: Tedisco gets our nod for congressional seat|url=http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49ceeb8881dc1142980214.txt|newspaper=Troy Record|date=March 29, 2009|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220121342/http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49ceeb8881dc1142980214.txt|archive-date=February 20, 2012|url-status=dead}}
= Polling =
† Commissioned by Tedisco's campaign and the NRCC
‡ Commissioned by the DCCC
Election
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, initial counts from the election had Murphy leading by about 60 votes out of over 150,000 cast.{{cite news|first=Valerie|last=Bauman|title=Razor-thin NY House race goes to absentee count| url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-ny-house-race-040109-2009apr01-story.html|agency=Associated Press|date = March 31, 2009}}{{cite news|first=Keith B.|last=Richburg|author2=Paul Kane |title=Absentee Ballots to Decide N.Y. House Race|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/31/AR2009033104096.html?hpid=moreheadlines|work=The Washington Post|page=A04|date = April 1, 2009|access-date = April 1, 2009}} Columbia County's Board of Elections amended its tally the following day, reducing Murphy's lead to 25 votes.{{cite news|first=Irene Jay|last=Liu|title=It's official: Murphy has 25 vote lead over Tedisco|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/13150/its-official-murphy-has-25-vote-lead-over-tedisco/ |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = April 1, 2009|access-date = April 1, 2009}} The lead alternated between the two candidates throughout early recanvassing; at one point the New York State Board of Elections had listed the election at a zero-vote margin, with each candidate having exactly 77,225 votes.{{cite web|title=Unofficial Results for NY 20th Congressional District|publisher=New York State Board of Elections|date=April 3, 2009|url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults.pdf|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204854/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults.pdf|url-status=dead}} By April 2, Tedisco was ahead by 12 votes. He resigned the position of Assembly Minority Leader on April 5 in preparation for a transition to Congress,{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2915/tedisco-says-hes-giving-leadership-focus-recount-transition |title=Tedisco Says He's Giving Up Leadership To Focus On Recount, 'Transition' |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=April 3, 2009 |access-date=November 28, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616125301/http://www.observer.com/2915/tedisco-says-hes-giving-leadership-focus-recount-transition |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} and was replaced by Brian Kolb the following day.{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/2944/brian-kolb-new-tedisco |title=Brian Kolb Is the New Tedisco |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=April 6, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616114329/http://www.observer.com/2944/brian-kolb-new-tedisco |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} On April 7, Tedisco was ahead by 97 votes.{{Cite news|first=Jenny|last=Lee-Adrian|title=Tedisco takes 97-vote lead|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1701659771.html?FMT=ABS&date=Apr+07%2C+2009|newspaper=Poughkeepsie Journal|location=Poughkeepsie, NY|date=April 7, 2009|access-date=March 31, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104092511/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1701659771.html?FMT=ABS&date=Apr+07,+2009|archive-date=November 4, 2012}} The close tally meant that absentee ballots would decide the race.
All ballots, absentee ballot envelopes, and voting machines were impounded under a court injunction sought by state Republicans. Under the court order, absentee ballots were counted in central locations rather than individual precincts.{{cite news|first=Eric|last=Black|title=Coleman Franken Redux in New York?|url=http://www.minnpost.com/ericblackblog/2009/04/01/7790/coleman_franken_redux_in_new_york|work=MinnPost.com|location=Minneapolis, MN|date=April 1, 2009|access-date=April 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403112517/http://www.minnpost.com/ericblackblog/2009/04/01/7790/coleman_franken_redux_in_new_york|archive-date=April 3, 2009|url-status=dead}} Of the 10,000 absentee ballots sent out to voters, 6,000 were returned. Absentee ballots mailed within the United States had to be received by April 7 to be counted. The deadline for overseas (including military) ballots was extended to April 13 after the United States Department of Justice sued the state to ensure they would have a reasonable chance of being counted.{{cite news|first=David M.|last=Halbfinger|title=No Decision Soon in Upstate House Race|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/absentees-will-decide-upstate-election-but-not-soon/|work=The New York Times| date = April 1, 2009| access-date = April 1, 2009}} Counting of the absentee ballots due by April 7 began on April 8 under a New York State Supreme Court ruling sought by Murphy's campaign.{{cite news|first=Elizabeth |last=Benjamin |title=Let the Counting Begin! |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/04/let-the-counting-begin.html |work=Daily News |location=New York, NY |date=April 6, 2009 |access-date=April 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412041141/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/04/let-the-counting-begin.html |archive-date=April 12, 2009 }}
The legality of about 600 absentee ballots were contested during the count,{{Cite news |url = http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0409/The_battle_over_the_absentee_ballots.html |title = The battle over the absentee ballots |first = Josh |last = Kraushaar |date = April 13, 2009 |access-date = November 28, 2010 |newspaper = Politico |publisher = Allbritton Communications |location = Arlington, VA}} including Senator Gillibrand's ballot.{{Cite news |url = http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0409/Tedisco_challenges_Gillibrands_absentee_ballot.html?showall |title = Tedisco challenges Gillibrand's absentee ballot |first = Josh |last = Kraushaar |date = April 14, 2009 |access-date = November 28, 2010 |newspaper = Politico |publisher = Allbritton Communications |location = Arlington, VA}} By April 23, Murphy was ahead by 401 votes,{{cite web |title=Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY 20th Congressional District |publisher=New York State Board of Elections |date=April 23, 2009 |url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDCombinedResults04232009.pdf |access-date=April 23, 2009 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204729/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDCombinedResults04232009.pdf |url-status=dead }} and Tedisco conceded the following day.{{Cite news |url = http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7934082 |title = Murphy Going to Congress |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = April 25, 2009 |access-date = October 28, 2010 |page = A1 |last1 = Liu |first1 = Irene Jay |last2 = Hornbeck |first2 = Leigh |archive-date = November 1, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131101080630/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7934082 |url-status = dead }} Murphy was sworn in on April 29.{{Cite news |title=Murphy sworn in surrounded by his 'very large family' |last=Dlouhy |first=Jennifer A. |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = April 29, 2009 |access-date = April 29, 2009 |url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/14069/murphy-sworn-in-surrounded-by-his-very-large-family/}} The official results came out in May and had Murphy winning the election with 80,833 votes (50.23%) against Tedisco's 80,107 votes (49.77%).{{cite web |title=Statement of Canvass: 20th Congressional District |publisher=New York State Board of Elections |url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialElectionResults.pdf |date=May 2009 |access-date=May 15, 2009 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105210520/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialElectionResults.pdf |url-status=dead }}
|
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em; border:none;" |
| County
! Scott Murphy ! Jim Tedisco |
|---|
| Columbia
| {{party shading/Democratic}} align=center | 9,161 | align=center |6,852 |
| Delaware
| align=center |3,506 | {{party shading/Republican}} align=center | 3,509 |
| Dutchess
| {{party shading/Democratic}} align=center | 10,019 | align=center |9,304 |
| Essex
| {{party shading/Democratic}} align=center | 1,375 | align=center |1,101 |
| Greene
| align=center |4,607 | {{party shading/Republican}} align=center | 5,724 |
| Otsego
| align=center |1,084 | {{party shading/Republican}} align=center | 1,147 |
| Rensselaer
| align=center |7,837 | {{party shading/Republican}} align=center | 8,293 |
| Saratoga
| align=center |26,290 | {{party shading/Republican}} align=center | 31,066 |
| Warren
| {{party shading/Democratic}} align=center | 9,323 | align=center |7,298 |
| Washington
| {{party shading/Democratic}} align=center | 7,631 | align=center |5,813 |
|}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = New York State Democratic Committee
|candidate = Scott Murphy
|votes = 70,240
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Independence Party of New York
|candidate = Scott Murphy
|votes = 6,754
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Working Families Party
|candidate = Scott Murphy
|votes = 3,839
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate
|party = Total
|candidate = Scott Murphy
|votes = 80,833
|percentage = 50.23
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = New York Republican State Committee
|candidate = Jim Tedisco
|votes = 68,775
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Conservative Party of New York
|candidate = Jim Tedisco
|votes = 11,332
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate
|party = Total
|candidate = Jim Tedisco
|votes = 80,107
|percentage = 49.77
|change =
}}
{{Election box majority
|votes = 726
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box turnout
|votes = 160,940
|percentage =
|change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link
|winner = Democratic Party (US)
|loser =
|swing = −11.9
}}
{{Election box end}}
Aftermath
Murphy's victory was credited to a coattail effect from Barack Obama's election in 2008.{{Cite news |title=Riding the Republican wave |last = Vielkind |first = Jimmy |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = December 22, 2010 |access-date = December 27, 2010 |url = http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Riding-the-Republican-wave-914396.php}} His support of the stimulus package and Tedisco's failed attempt at clearly explaining his (Tedisco's) opposition to the package also had an impact.{{Cite news |title=Upstate New York House Race Is Too Close to Call |last=Halbfinger |first=David M. |newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 31, 2009 |access-date=December 27, 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/nyregion/01election.html?_r=1}} Further explanations for the Republican defeat ranged from accusations that Tedisco "dither{{Bracket|ed}} on the stimulus bill", to intimations that Tedisco only became his party's nominee by manipulating the selection process.{{Cite news|url=http://www.observer.com/3267/from-back-row-tedisco-mans-up |title=Post-Game: From a Back-Row Seat, Tedisco Mans Up |first=Jimmy |last=Vielkind |date=April 27, 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Observer |location=New York, NY |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616130828/http://www.observer.com/3267/from-back-row-tedisco-mans-up |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal contended that being an "Albany careerist" and running confusing campaign ads had hurt Tedisco.{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124078946691457509 |title=Another GOP Defeat |date=April 28, 2009 |page=A13 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |location=New York, NY |access-date=December 2, 2010}} Tedisco's loss immediately made him appear vulnerable to Democrats hoping to capture his seat in the Assembly.{{Cite news |url=http://www.nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1495/2009-05-22.html |title=Why Scott Murphy Matters |first=David |last=Freedlander |date=May 22, 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2010 |newspaper=The Capitol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005091730/http://nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1495/2009-05-22.html |archive-date=October 5, 2010}}
The day after being sworn in, Murphy hired Todd Schulte, his campaign manager, as his new chief of staff.{{Cite news |url = http://www.observer.com/3322/schulte-stays-with-murphy-now-chief-staff |title = Schulte Stays With Murphy, Now Chief of Staff |first = Jimmy |last = Vielkind |date = April 30, 2009 |access-date = December 2, 2010 |newspaper = The New York Observer |location = New York, NY |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110616125933/http://www.observer.com/3322/schulte-stays-with-murphy-now-chief-staff |archive-date = June 16, 2011 |df = mdy-all }} He also hired one of Governor Paterson's aides, Maggie McKeon, as his communications director.{{Cite news |url = http://www.observer.com/3565/murphy-names-mckeon-communications-director |title = Murphy Names McKeon Communications Director |first = Jimmy |last = Vielkind |date = May 15, 2009 |access-date = December 2, 2010 |newspaper = The New York Observer |location = New York, NY |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111029182546/http://www.observer.com/3565/murphy-names-mckeon-communications-director |archive-date = October 29, 2011 |df = mdy-all }} For his district director, Murphy turned to Rob Scholz, a Republican. Scholz had worked on Murphy's campaign and had received praise from Larry Bulman, the chairman of the Saratoga County Democratic Committee.{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/14169/murphy-goes-to-the-other-side-for-district-director/ |title = Murphy goes to the other side for district director |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = May 5, 2009 |access-date = December 2, 2010 |last = Hornbeck |first = Leigh}} Within a month of being elected, Murphy opened offices in Saratoga Springs and Hudson.{{Cite news |url = http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/15014/murphy-gets-new-digs-in-hudson/ |title = Murphy gets new digs in Hudson |first = Leigh |last = Hornbeck |date = June 1, 2009 |access-date = December 3, 2010 |newspaper = The New York Observer |location = New York, NY}}{{Cite news |url = http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/05/02/news/doc49fbafd435df4284200002.txt |title = Murphy opens Saratoga Springs district office with forum |first = Andrew J. |last = Bernstein |newspaper = The Saratogian |location = Saratoga Springs, NY |date = May 2, 2009 |access-date = December 3, 2010 |archive-date = March 8, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120308163705/http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/05/02/news/doc49fbafd435df4284200002.txt |url-status = dead }} Murphy served the remainder of his term, but lost a reelection bid on November 2, 2010, to challenger Chris Gibson, a retired Army colonel.{{Cite news |url = http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Gibson-beats-Murphy-Tonko-wins-789285.php |title = Gibson beats Murphy, Tonko wins |newspaper = Times Union |location = Albany, NY |date = November 2, 2010 |access-date = December 2, 2010}}
See also
Notes
{{Reflist|group="Note"}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
Further reading
- {{cite book |title=Too Close to Call |last=Bazile |first=Dan |publisher=ZLS Publishing |location=Albany, New York |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-9845986-3-2}}
{{2009 United States elections}}
{{New York elections}}
{{2009 New York elections}}
{{featured article}}