Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) traveled to upstate New York for the first time since his name has surfaced as the next likely Democratic leader in the Senate.
Harry Reid (D- NV), the current senate minority leader, announced last week he would retire in 2016, and then quickly said he would back Schumer to succeed him. While it will be up to the Democratic senators to elect their next leader, other potential candidates have said they would support Schumer.
While in Buffalo Monday, the senator pledged not to lose touch with his New York constituents if he becomes the leader.
“Should I be elected when the elections occur, I will do my best to make western New Yorkers, New Yorkers, Americans and my whole caucus proud of me,” said Schumer. “It’s a big job. So I’ll have a little more clout, and hopefully I can use it to help the area, but I’m not going to be scarce at all.”
Schumer is known for frequent visits to all corners of New York state. He has made it his goal to go to each county in the state every year. Schumer, who currently holds the number three leadership position in the Senate, says that makes him a more affective senator. Schumer has been in the Senate for 16 years and in leadership since 2006.