The three Republican members of Congress that now represent northern and central New York have been presenting a united front when it comes to issues important to the region like Fort Drum and border control. And, they say they are not afraid to stand up to their party at a time when Washington often is paralyzed because of inflexibility from extreme elements in the Republican and Democratic parties.
Utica-area Republican Rep. Richard Hanna has been bucking the GOP party line for years now, a moderate in a district that stretches from north of Utica down through the Southern Tier. And, after the two incumbent Democrats representing the Syracuse area and the North Country left office at the end of last year, he now has some like-minded Republicans as neighbors,
"The dysfunction that you see, and I’m comfortable saying it, we’re not a party to it; we push back on it,” said Hanna.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents the 21st Congressional District that stretches across the North Country, agrees.
"I will put the interests of my district front and center, any day of the week if it means breaking with my party," said Stefanik.
Rep. John Katko, of the 24th District surrounding Syracuse, says it’s a matter of survival for Republicans in central New York.
"Here’s the reality. I’m from a district that has five percent more Democrats than Republicans. And I’m a Republican who won by 20 percent. I did that because I struck a moderate tone. It makes sense for my district. It makes sense for Elise’s and Richard’s,” said Katko.
This moderate unity was in evidence earlier this month when the trio were among six other New York State GOP members of Congress who resisted pressure from the more conservative wing of the party in the Department of Homeland Security funding vote.
“We were not a party to those who wanted to not fund the Department of Homeland Security, even though I think we all take some exception to the president’s proposals on immigration. That’s where we stand. We’re trying to be thoughtful and deliberate and not reactive,” said Hanna.
None of the three believe their moderate views isolate them from the party controlled at times controlled by its conservative wing.
“I think we need to show leadership in the House or pragmatism, and also willingness to work across the aisle on the tough issues that we face legislatively to get things done,” said Stefanik.
Katko says the DHS vote showed how that worked.
“Not everyone is perfectly happy, but DHS is funded. So going forward it’s a question of leadership; it’s a question of give and take; it’s a question of understanding the other side. It’s a question of getting things done,” said Katko. “And so far, it’s been ugly at times, but we’re getting things done.”
