Blue wave, message of change helped Amherst Democrat topple GOP assemblyman
Moments later,
"It was very dramatic," McMahon said in an interview the next day.
McMahon beat Walter, a seven-year incumbent, by 52 percent to 46 percent in the 146th Assembly district that covers the towns of
The candidates and party officials say McMahon won because of the Democratic enrollment edge in the district, a blue wave that swept much of
"I don't think there's anything that we could have done," Walter said the next day. "It's just the atmosphere of the whole race, the political landscape."
McMahon, 58, grew up in
McMahon said she was inspired to run for office by
McMahon needed to introduce herself to voters in the 146th district. That's a lot easier to do with the financial support of Assembly Democrats, whose campaign arm pumped
"I really felt that
"It certainly has become more of a Democratic district. You can't deny the demographics of it,"
Across the state,
"I think there was a little fatigue with the idea of a career politician, too," McMahon said.
McMahon's ads emphasized a platform of boosting education spending, improving the state's economy and expanding health care. She also wants to tackle corruption in
Amherst Democratic Chairman
Schad said he believes Walter had surprisingly little name recognition for an incumbent Assembly member, but Heins said Walter worked hard on behalf of his constituents.
Walter in the final days ran a TV ad attacking McMahon for her support of single-payer health insurance. The ad claimed the proposal would raise each
"I think that turned voters off," Schad said. "It's a preposterous notion, and I think people saw it for what it was."
Walter said the ad highlighted crucial information about McMahon's policy and helped keep the race close.
Walter, who served in the
"I'm not going away," he said.
McMahon said she looks forward to talking to Walter during the transition period. She also will consult Assemblywoman
After the excitement of Tuesday night, McMahon said, life started returning to normal Wednesday. What was the first thing she did the morning after?
"I cleaned my kitchen a little bit," she said, laughing.
___
(c)2018 The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.)
Visit The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.) at www.buffalonews.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Report outlines priorities to improve the lives of cancer survivors and caregivers
Covered California Launches Iconic Bus Tour to Promote Enrollment and Show How “Life Can Change in an Instant”
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News