Former Rep. Fred Eckert read the on-line version of The Buffalo News from his home in Raleigh, N.C. Thursday and couldn't refrain from weighing on the story about the Town of Greece, where he was born and which he represented over the years as supervisor, state senator and member of Congress (1985-1987).
He called the story about Greece as the epicenter of the hot race for the 26th Congressional District "right on." And, perhaps not at all surprisingly, the former Republican House member added his endorsement for fellow Republican Jane L. Corwin.
He said these are the points that "really matter" in the vote on Tuesday:
-- Republican Corwin is a solid conservative with a proven record in office. Everyone I know in Albany whose judgment I respect tells me she is a smart, serious, conscientious, accomplished lawmaker who will make an outstanding member of Congress. Of the three candidates, she is the only one who has shown any real backbone -- and backbone is something we desperately need more of in Washington.
--Democrat Kathy Hochul should remain a county clerk where she has zero impact on any important issues that face the nation or the state. She is a closet left-winger whose real views are contrary to the common sense conservatism of most voters in this district. Her campaign has played fast and loose with the truth to try to fool voters.
--Jack Davis is simply on an ego trip; his Tea Party claim is a total fraud; and his campaign would be a joke except for the fact that he and the Democrats are using it to try to keep the best choice, Jane Corwin, from winning.
If people in western New York State are truly concerned about the decline of their state and the ever worsening situation in the country, they should not vote for either Hochul or Davis.
That's the view from someone who once represented a significant part of the district.
--Robert J. McCarthy
