WASHINGTON (CNN) - As the special election got underway in New York's traditionally-Republican 20th congressional district, House Minority Leader John Boehner seemed to downplay his party's chances of reclaiming what he called a "Democrat seat."
GOP state assemblyman Jim Tedisco once held a comfortable lead over Democratic candidate Scott Murphy, but the race has tightened in recent weeks, and both national parties have poured resources into the contest. In the race's closing days, Tedisco's campaign was sharply critical of Murphy's support President Obama's stimulus plan, but Boehner told reporters Tuesday the district's vote should not be seen as a referendum on Republican policies in Washington.
"It is going to be a very close election, but it's between those two candidates up in New York. I hope Jim Tedisco wins," he said - but, he added, "it is a Democrat seat. President Obama won this seat during the presidential election last fall."
From CNN Politics
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Mr. Bonehead Boehner needs to to stop living in fantasy land. It will be a while before the GOP picks up any congressional seats.
Now why would he do that? He has to think positive! Why does the GOP keep knocking themselves out of the come back? You go Rush putting dow the candidate, Boehner talking the come back down, the candidate not mentioning the GOP. You guys need to fix yourselves up. We still need you but you have to steady yourselves.
OK how is change working out for your wallet now. To put another demorat in the congress just shows how stupid the american people have become.
The leaders of the [R] party have been lowering expectations for well over a decade now. How do you think they get so many stupid people to listen to their message of lies and trivia, and to vote for [R] candidates that promote policies against their own best interests. There needs to be a serious genetic study done on those who voted [D] the last three election cycles versus those that voted [R]. There's been some serious chromosome damage done in the latter group.
Boehner is another one of the Republicans many problems. They just don't get it.
We are only 4 months removed from the GOP getting trounced everywhere, and this is a seat that has gone Dem the last 2 elections.
Basically, this race isn't as important today as it would be in a year, when we would actually be in a fresh election cycle. But CNN is doing a good job of making people think this is an important race for the GOP.
Here's the dirty little secret, though. The Dem should win this seat. That's right, the Dems, with the momentum they have from November, should not lose a twice elected democratic seat.
But nobody will print that side of the story.
Boehner, now that you have commented, how about some numbers for that budget for tomorrow's presentation?
I hope the DNC puts a lot of money getting this guy (Boehner) out of office.
This is such a horrible distortion of the truth. This seat has long been a GOP stronghold which is why many democrats nationwide were upset with Paterson's choice to fill Clinton's seat
"but Boehner told reporters Tuesday the district's vote should not be seen as a referendum on Republican policies in Washington"
LOL...I can just hear him whispering to himself "Please, please,"
Boehner called the congressional seat in New York's 20th district 'a Democrat seat.'Who cares about what Boehner says or think!!!!
Boehner... it's too early, for the people are still high on that Obama kool-aid, give it another couple of years and the picking for new republican seats should be good.
A little respect Congressman...the correct term is "Democratic" not the pegoritive "Democrat"...The Republicans think they are so sly using Boss Limbaugh's approved vocabulary.
The Republican party has been reduced to petty little puppets.
but Boehner told reporters Tuesday the district's vote should not be seen as a referendum on Republican policies in Washington
So let me get this right: Boener is saying that when your party loses in an election, it does not mean that the majority of people disagree with your party and it's policies? What planet is this guy from? He just makes up crap as he goes along to fit the propoganda that he and his party spew 24/7.
It's called an election dude, if you lose...it DOES reflect upon whether people agree with your politics in washington and your policies and track record over all. You should be IMPEACHED for your lack of comprehension in regards to what an election is
You always lose the battle you never fight.
Boehner, if it's not "a referendum on Republican policies in Washington" (which is what republican congressman are supposed to represent), then what is it?
That's true it is not a referendum on the republican party, it is just a local race. If the republican wins, it doesn't mean anything about support for Obama.
I live in the 20th, and what the story doesn't mention is that this has been the NASTIEST campaign we have ever seen. The Republican Congressional Committee and the GOP Trustpac have been running back to back, nonstop ads for a couple of weeks now. For the most part, I think Tedisco is a better candidate.
However, I am voting AGAINST THE REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITEE for beating me over the head with ads with a high element of "truthiness"
That's right, they cost Tedisco my vote....
With the money and endorsements the Democrats put into this race, it will probably go to the Democrat. That's the nice thing about having the rich and powerful in your pocket, you never run out of funds.
Well Mr. Boehner if you would quit crying and saying no, and help America instead of hinder America, your NY expectations may be higher. You have done nothing but wine since Barack took office.
Normal Americans are tired of NO.
Maybe you too can say YES WE CAN.
Guess what Boehner you seat will be Democrat next time you run. Your days are really # and it does not come soon enough for me or this great country.
"It is going to be a very close election, but it's between those two candidates up in New York. I hope Jim Tedisco wins," he said — but, he added, "it is a Democrat seat. President Obama won this seat during the presidential election last fall."
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That's RIGHT. You best remember that and take it to the bank Mr. Boner. This is a democrat's seat and your Repub idiot Jim ain't gonna take it.
Hey cry baby,
Its 'Democratic'.
Grow up!
There's something amiss, while the country is facing a financial meltdown and Boehner looks like he just came from a tanning salon.
Boehner: The term is "DemocratIC seat", not "Democrat seat." Get it right, you moron! And then get out of the way of progress!
Boehner is a loser, probably will be responsible for losing the seat.
So now Republicans can't win any seats currently held by Democrats and they're willing to concede in every district Obama won in the election in November? That's awesome!
News flash, Boehner: you're supposed to downplay expectations before something like a primary race or a debate or a new poll number, not the ACTUAL ELECTION! Downplaying your result in an actual election is like losing the Super Bowl and saying "well, they're better than we are, we weren't supposed to win this game anyway."
When are we going to get the details of the GOP's alternative budget?
Does anyone know why John Boehner is orange? Just curious.
Anyway, this is devastating for the GOP. NY 20 should be solidly Republican.
Boehner gets more pessimistic with every passing day. He even looks like a tired dog
GOPer-speak translation: If GOPers win the seat, it would be an indictment of the President's stimulus package (their position when the race polls showed it going their way). If the GOPers lose, it is not an indictment of GOPers Washington obstructionist policies – it is a meaningless Democratic win.
Isn't it amazing how the GOPers try to frame everything in a context whereby it is always a win for them, but never a loss for them. So, now in addition to being gutless, the GOPers are also now clueless.
Is he really that stupid and does not know Republicans far outnumber dems in this district? It is not a Dem seat and the House minority whip should know that. So why lie?
Although this is a strong republican area am hoping the voters are as sick of the republicans antics as most of us are. The do nothing but obstruct tactics are not what these politicians were elected to do.
They must start putting our country, not party, first but most do not
seem to acknowledge this. The only way for our country to survive
is to get these hypocrits out of office.
Wasn't it the GoP who said this WAS going to be a referrendum on 2010?!
These guys are clueless ...
He can't lower my expectations of him.
More lies from Congressman Bonehead, I mean Boehner. This election is in a very heavy republican district, it's not a democrat seat as he lied about. He also said if the democrat wins it should not be seen as a "referendum on Republican policies in Washington". Sorry Rep. Bonehead, but that's exactly what it will be if the democrat wins in this republican district. The sad part of this story is that it shows just how stupid Rep. Bonehead and the rest of the GOP think the American people are, and no matter how many times the GOP has lost races, they still just don't get it. The American people time and time again all across our great country have overwhelmingly rejected the GOP failed policies and their tactics. One more thing, Rep. Bonehead will be gone in 2010 too.
"Boehner told reporters Tuesday the district's vote should not be seen as a referendum on Republican policies in Washington." That's funny because you and Michael Steele were saying about how important this election was to the Republicans. So much so that you poured tons of money into it.
Hey John! Can't wait to see your budget proposel tomorrow...
Boehner is a CLOWN, this guy has ran his mouth so much, he has NO credibility at all. I think John Boehner spends too much time focusing on his tan line and his hair than working with the President in cleaning up his party's economic mess!!
Boehner is the capitan of the Titanic.
Him and the whole Republican party are going down thanks to their backward, evil, right wing agenda and party nuts like Palin, Limbaugh, Bachman, Cheney, Bush, Gingrich, McCain, etc.
Not a sane or smart one in the whole lot!!
How can you get lower expections of politicians? They're already Lawyers......
Spin, spin, spin .... Anything but the truth. Exile is a lonely, lonely place.
Listen to George Hamilton not try to cover his butt on the NY20 congressional seat. this guy makes me sick ,where is your blue folder senator.
I wish the Republican congress members who do not have any electorate attachment to open state elections campaigns would attend to their own affairs. Being from Minnesota – I personally am so tired of the Texas senator opening his mouth and weighing in the the MN senate recount. It would actually be something if they would try to do something to help the entire country instead of their buddies..
Super,
So, the "majority" of Americans have that opinion of Democrats? I don't get it. If the "majority" have that opinion, then why did the Republicans get crushed in the November elections. Oh, are you one of those people who think that LOSING an election means that you actually won it?
Boehner, McConnell and Cantor......what good are they are doing for all of America ?