2009 New York's 20th congressional district special election

none February 2026 December 2019 2009 New York's 20th congressional district special election New York 1901 by-election no 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 20 2008 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 20* 2010 2009 03 31 New York's 20th congressional district File:ScottMurphy2009CampaignStop.jpg Scott Murphy New York State Democratic Committee 80,833 50.23% File:Tedisco Headshot.jpeg 150x150px Jim Tedisco New York Republican State Committee 80,107 49.77% 150px County resultsMurphy: #8da9e2 50–60% Tedisco: #ed8883 50–60% U.S. Representative Kirsten Gillibrand New York State Democratic Committee Scott Murphy New York State Democratic Committee On March 31, 2009, New York held a special election to fill a vacancy in its 20th congressional district. In January, the district's representative, Kirsten Gillibrand, was appointed US senator from New York, replacing Hillary Clinton, who had been appointed Secretary of State in the Obama administration. The two major-party candidates were Scott Murphy, a Democrat and private businessman, and Jim Tedisco, a Republican and the minority leader of the New York State Assembly. A Libertarian candidate, Eric Sundwall, was initially included in the race, but later removed from the ballot. The 20th congressional district has historically been conservative, and early polls favored Tedisco, but by February 2009 the race was considered a toss-up. The Republican Party considered the election to be a referendum on President Obama's economic policy and as such, injected significant funding into Tedisco's campaign, using well-known Republicans such as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, House Minority Leader John Boehner, and former New York governor George Pataki for support. Democrats used Senator Gillibrand, Vice President Joe Biden, and an endorsement from President Obama to support the Murphy campaign. Major issues brought up during the campaign were the candidates' positions on President Obama's stimulus plan, which Tedisco did not take a stance on until late in the race. Murphy supported it while Tedisco eventually opposed it. Tedisco portrayed Murphy's support of the plan as a potential cause of the AIG bonus scandal. Tedisco's campaign also brought up Murphy's failure to pay taxes on a company he founded in the 1990s. A frequent Murphy talking point was that Tedisco's primary residence was not in the Congressional district. The race was so close that one early vote count had the candidates tied at 77,225 votes each. Absentee ballots decided the election; ballots were accepted until April 13. While Tedisco had been ahead in early counts, by April 10, Murphy was leading, and by April 23 Murphy had a 401-vote advantage. Tedisco conceded the race the following day, and Murphy was sworn in on April 29. Democratic electoral successes in November 2008 and Murphy's clear support of the stimulus package were credited for his success. Background New York's 20th congressional district New York's 20th congressional district in 2009 encompassed all or part of Columbia, Dutchess, Delaware, Essex, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties.http://www.nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/congdist/NY20_110.pdf Congressional District 20 National Atlas of the United States November 16, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140904120331/http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/congdist/NY20_110.pdf September 4, 2014 Traditionally conservative, it had been considered a safe seat for RepublicansAfter redistricting in 2002, then-Congressman John E. Sweeney was quoted as saying that "no Republican can ever lose" the district.Murphy's Law: One Democrat's defeat explains how the party lost the House Romano Andrew Newsweek http://www.newsweek.com/2010/11/03/the-anatomy-of-one-democrat-s-loss.html# November 3, 2010 November 14, 2010 Note until Blue Dog Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand defeated incumbent John E. Sweeney in the 2006 election.Paul Steinhauser Gillibrand's House seat could be GOP opportunity http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/23/special-election-for-gillibrands-house-seat-could-be-opportunity-for-gop/ CNN Turner Broadcasting System Atlanta, GA January 23, 2009 January 30, 2009 December 8, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141208034528/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/23/special-election-for-gillibrands-house-seat-could-be-opportunity-for-gop/ dead In November 2008, the Republican Party held an enrollment advantage of 70,632 registered voters across the district, down from a 93,337-voter advantage when the district lines were drawn by the New York State Legislature in 2002.NYSVoter Enrollment by Congressional District, Party Affiliation and Status New York State Board of Elections http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_nov08.pdf November 1, 2008 April 5, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101203154/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_nov08.pdf deadTotal Enrollment by Congressional District New York State Board of Elections January 28, 2004 http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_jun02.pdf April 5, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101205709/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/congress/congress_jun02.pdf dead Although Republican George W. Bush carried the district by an eight-point margin in the 2004 presidential election,Michael Barone Political Bloodlines of Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator From New York https://www.usnews.com/blogs/barone/2009/1/26/political-bloodlines-of-kirsten-gillibrand-senator-from-new-york.html U.S. News & World Report Kerry F. Dyer Washington, DC January 26, 2009 February 5, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090205145118/http://www.usnews.com/blogs/barone/2009/1/26/political-bloodlines-of-kirsten-gillibrand-senator-from-new-york.html February 5, 2009 Democrat Barack Obama won the district in 2008 by a three-point margin, or approximately 10,000 votes of over 330,000 cast.NY-20: Traditionally Red District Turned Blue in 2008 L James http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4324 January 23, 2009 April 5, 2009 Swing State Project dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090202175202/http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4324 February 2, 2009 Gillibrand was reelected in 2008 by 24 points, a fourfold increase over her 2006 margin. One of Barack Obama's first decisions as president-elect was to appoint Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senator from New York and former Democratic presidential primary opponent, as Secretary of State; Clinton resigned her Senate seat to take the position.Obama's Former Rival Clinton Joins His Team The Washington Post December 2, 2008 December 28, 2010 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/01/AR2008120102649.html The district's seat became vacant in January 2009 when Governor David Paterson appointed Gillibrand to the United States Senate to replace Clinton. On February 23, 2009, Governor Paterson issued a proclamation setting the date for the special election as March 31, 2009.http://www.ny.gov/governor/keydocs/proclamations/pdf/proc_special_election-2009.pdf Special Election Twentieth Congressional District Proclamation March 12, 2009 Paterson David A. February 23, 2009 State of New York Executive Chamber Albany, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090324235337/http://www.ny.gov/governor/keydocs/proclamations/pdf/proc_special_election-2009.pdf March 24, 2009 Under state law, Paterson was not required to issue a proclamation for a special election until July 2010.Casey Seiler Paterson: No hard timeline for 20th special election http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/2715/paterson-no-hard-timeline-for-20th-special-election/ Times Union Albany, NY January 27, 2009 January 30, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035414/http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/2715/paterson-no-hard-timeline-for-20th-special-election/ dead Both the Rothenberg Political Report and the Cook Political Report listed the race as a toss-up. https://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2009/02/2010-house-ratings.html 2010 House Ratings March 11, 2009 February 25, 2009 The Rothenberg Political Report Stuart Rothenberg Washington, D.C. http://www.cookpolitical.com/charts/house/competitive_2009-02-05_12-25-20.php 2010 Competitive House Race Chart March 11, 2009 February 5, 2009 The Cook Political Report dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120806160732/http://cookpolitical.com/charts/house/competitive_2009-02-05_12-25-20.php August 6, 2012 mdy-all Candidates In lieu of party primaries, the party nominees were chosen by a weighted vote among the county committees. The weight of the vote depended on the population of registered party voters (Republican or Democrat) in a given county.Emily Cadei New York Party Bosses to Choose Ballot Names https://web.archive.org/web/20160527065312/http://www.rollcall.com/news/-73185-1.html May 27, 2016 http://www.rollcall.com/news/-73185-1.html CQ Politics Congressional Quarterly Washington, DC January 26, 2009 February 11, 2009 Alt URL Republican Party State Senator Betty Little and former state Assembly minority leader and 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate John Faso had been in the running for the Republican nomination.Betty Little Announces Plans To Replace Gillibrand http://www.wptz.com/news/18550042/detail.html WPTZ Hearst Television Plattsburgh, NY January 23, 2009 January 30, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110718122159/http://www.wptz.com/news/18550042/detail.html July 18, 2011 Richard Wager, a former aide to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and State Senator Stephen Saland had also been mentioned.Maury Thompson Bulman, Richter may seek Gillibrand's seat http://poststar.com/news/local/article_7458b0dd-8339-5581-9d6b-92fec8053c57.html The Post-Star Glens Falls, NY January 23, 2009 October 29, 2010 Alexander "Sandy" Treadwell, the former New York Secretary of State and 2008 U.S. House challenger, had announced he would not run.Nathan L. Gonzales New York 20: Treadwell Not Running https://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-york-20-treadwell-not-running.html The Rothenberg Political Report Stuart Rothenberg Washington, DC January 24, 2009 January 30, 2009 On January 24, State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco received the endorsement of Saratoga County's Republican chairman,Maury Thompson Saratoga County GOP backs Tedisco http://www.poststar.com/blogs/?p=16631&cat=259 The Post Star Glens Falls, NY January 24, 2009 January 30, 2009 January 31, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090131111842/http://www.poststar.com/blogs/?p=16631&cat=259 dead while the Greene County GOP endorsed Faso.Tim O'Brien Greene County GOP goes with Faso http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/2672/greene-county-gop-goes-with-faso/ Times Union Albany, NY January 24, 2009 January 30, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035448/http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/2672/greene-county-gop-goes-with-faso/ dead Jim Tedisco was the eventual Republican nominee, winning the GOP nomination on January 27, 2009. Curtis Schick GOP picks Tedisco to run on Republican ticket http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/132480/gop-picks-tedisco-to-run-on-republican-ticket/ YNN Capital Region Time Warner Cable Albany, NY January 28, 2009 January 30, 2009 August 6, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120806211903/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/132480/gop-picks-tedisco-to-run-on-republican-ticket/ dead Tedisco represented the 110th Assembly District, which includes a significant portion of Saratoga County. http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/James-Tedisco/map/ District Map October 28, 2010 New York State Assembly dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131101041957/http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/James-Tedisco/map/ November 1, 2013 mdy-all Tedisco's primary residence was not in the congressional district, although he did own a house in Saratoga Springs and much of his assembly district overlapped the congressional district. http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/10818/gillibrand-gaining-steam/ Gillibrand gaining steam Times Union Albany, NY January 22, 2009 October 28, 2010 Rick Karlin November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040029/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/10818/gillibrand-gaining-steam/ dead This issue would become a major talking point during the campaign. Democratic Party On January 31, The Post-Star reported that the Democrats had narrowed the field of potential candidates from over two dozen applicants down to six. The Democratic chairpersons met with all six candidates at a diner in Albany on February 1, and selected Scott Murphy of Glens Falls, http://congress.org/congressorg/bio/id/26601 Rep. Scott Murphy (D-NY 20th District) Congress.org Economist Group October 28, 2010 president of the Upstate Venture Association of New York,Carol DeMare Democrats tap new face in 20th District http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7452098 Times Union Albany, NY February 2, 2009 February 5, 2009 A1 October 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120344/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7452098 dead as their candidate. Curtis Schick Democrats choose Murphy for 20th district race http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/132791/democrats-choose-murphy-for-20th-district-race/ YNN Capital Region Time Warner Cable Albany, NY February 2, 2009 February 5, 2009 October 31, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131031230045/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/132791/democrats-choose-murphy-for-20th-district-race/ dead Maury Thompson Democratic candidate list shrinks http://poststar.com/news/local/article_3612feec-1fd7-5714-8e9d-a701ab10429b.html The Post Star Glens Falls, NY January 31, 2009 February 5, 2009 Other confirmed candidates included Saratoga County Democratic Chairman Larry Bulman, former New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter, Coxsackie Town Supervisor Alex Betke,http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/01/20th-cd-jockeying-begins.html 20th CD Jockeying Begins Daily News New York, NY Elizabeth Benjamin January 23, 2009 November 4, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120620090424/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/01/20th-cd-jockeying-begins.html June 20, 2012 and Tracey Brooks, failed candidate for the nomination for the 21st district election in 2008.Josh Kurtz GOP Optimistic About Possible Gillibrand Special Election http://www.rollcall.com/news/31674-1.html Roll Call Economist Group Washington, DC January 22, 2009 January 30, 2009 Third parties New York allows electoral fusion, which is an arrangement allowing two or more qualified parties to list the same candidate on a ballot.http://www.willamette.edu/centers/publicpolicy/projects/oregonsfuture/PDFVol11no3/06Fall_Remedy.pdf An Old-time Remedy for our Electoral System: Fusion Voting Barbara Dudley 2006 October 30, 2010 Oregon's Future Willamette University 13–14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120316083222/http://www.willamette.edu/centers/publicpolicy/projects/oregonsfuture/PDFVol11no3/06Fall_Remedy.pdf March 16, 2012 http://www.observer.com/3053/mike-bloomberg-independent-except-all-party-labels Mike Bloomberg: Independent, Except for All the Party Labels April 13, 2009 October 30, 2010 Steve Kornacki The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115111/http://www.observer.com/3053/mike-bloomberg-independent-except-all-party-labels June 16, 2011 The Conservative Party chose to cross-endorse Tedisco on February 9, http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/09/tedisco-gets-conservative-nod/ Tedisco Gets Conservative Nod The Journal News White Plains, NY February 9, 2009 October 29, 2010 Joseph Spector November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101071715/http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/09/tedisco-gets-conservative-nod/ dead while the Working Families Party gave its endorsement to Murphy on February 17.http://www.observer.com/2005/working-families-party-backs-murphy-independence-line-still Working Families Party Backs Murphy, But Independence Line Still In Play Jimmy Vielkind February 17, 2009 October 29, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115034/http://www.observer.com/2005/working-families-party-backs-murphy-independence-line-still June 16, 2011 http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/2009/02/new-york-working-families-backs-scott-murphy-for-congress/ https://web.archive.org/web/20090618073059/http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/2009/02/new-york-working-families-backs-scott-murphy-for-congress/ dead June 18, 2009 New York Working Families Backs Scott Murphy for Congress February 17, 2009 October 29, 2010 Working Families Party On March 1, the Independence Party, the largest third party in the 20th district, http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/513755.html?nav=5008 State Independence Party backs Murphy June 17, 2010 October 29, 2010 Adirondack Daily Enterprise Saranac Lake, NY Nathan Brown dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110719070758/http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/513755.html?nav=5008 July 19, 2011 mdy-all gave its endorsement to Murphy. http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/11987/murphy-wins-the-independence-endorsement-in-20th-cd/ Murphy wins the Independence endorsement in 20th CD March 1, 2009 October 29, 2010 Leigh Hornbeck Times Union Albany, NY November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040648/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/11987/murphy-wins-the-independence-endorsement-in-20th-cd/ dead This was the first time the Independence Party had endorsed a Democrat in the district.http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/muprhy-wins-indy-line-battle.html Murphy Wins Indy Line Battle March 1, 2009 October 29, 2010 Daily News New York, NY Elizabeth Benjamin dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120616145433/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/muprhy-wins-indy-line-battle.html June 16, 2012 Eric Sundwall, Chair of the New York Libertarian Party, was the Libertarian candidate for the seat. However, he was removed from the ballot on March 25, after 3,786 of the 6,730 signatures his campaign had collected were ruled invalid. Leigh Hornbeck Libertarian removed from ballot http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7681899 https://web.archive.org/web/20120430132532/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7681899 dead April 30, 2012 Times Union Albany, NY March 26, 2009 October 26, 2010 A3 Under state election law, independent congressional candidates must collect at least 3,500 valid signatures to be on the ballot. N.Y. Elec. L. § 6-142(2)(e) http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/law/2008NYElectionLaw.pdf State of New York 2008 Election Law New York State Board of Elections Albany, NY 176 March 26, 2009 June 11, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140611025229/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/law/2008NYElectionLaw.pdf dead Two Saratoga County residents challenged over 6,000 of Sundwall's signatures; Sundwall blamed Tedisco for the effort to have him removed from the ballot. Liu Irene Jay Sundwall endorses Murphy Times Union Albany, NY March 27, 2009 http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12877/sundwall-endorses-murphy/ November 1, 2013 October 30, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040032/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12877/sundwall-endorses-murphy/ dead The vast majority of the rejected signatures were from voters who put down their mailing address instead of the municipality in which they physically lived. Votes for Sundwall on absentee ballots, which were mailed out before he was removed from the ballot, were voided. On March 27, Sundwall announced that he would vote for Murphy in the election and urged his supporters to join him.Campaign Statement Sundwall Eric sundwall4congress.org http://www.sundwall4congress.org/2009/03/campaign-statement.html March 27, 2009 April 30, 2009 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20090503061636/http://www.sundwall4congress.org/2009/03/campaign-statement.html May 3, 2009 Campaign The campaigns agreed to hold four debates. http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12055/scott-murphy-will-be-at-least-one-debate-by-himself/ Scott Murphy will be at least one debate by himself: updated Leigh Hornbeck Times Union Albany, NY March 3, 2009 October 31, 2010 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040257/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12055/scott-murphy-will-be-at-least-one-debate-by-himself/ dead The first debate took place on March 2, between Tedisco and Murphy.http://www.observer.com/2281/first-debate-murphy-presses-tedisco-stimulus-course In First Debate, Murphy Presses Tedisco on Stimulus, of Course Jimmy Vielkind March 3, 2009 October 31, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115619/http://www.observer.com/2281/first-debate-murphy-presses-tedisco-stimulus-course June 16, 2011 http://www.observer.com/2283/first-debate-offers-little-clash Not Much Daylight Between Tedisco and Murphy in the First Debate Jimmy Vielkind March 3, 2009 October 31, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115634/http://www.observer.com/2283/first-debate-offers-little-clash June 16, 2011 The second debate, sponsored by WMHT and the Times Union, took place on March 19 between Murphy and Libertarian candidate Eric Sundwall.http://www.observer.com/2290/sundwall-says-he-has-enough-signatures-wants-tediscos-spot-debate A Libertarian Wants the Tedisco Spot in a Congressional Debate Jimmy Vielkind March 4, 2009 October 31, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115711/http://www.observer.com/2290/sundwall-says-he-has-enough-signatures-wants-tediscos-spot-debate June 16, 2011 http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12606/sundwall-and-murphy-to-debate-tedisco-doing-his-own-thing/ Sundwall and Murphy to debate, Tedisco doing his own thing Leigh Hornbeck Times Union Albany, NY March 18, 2009 October 31, 2010 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040610/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12606/sundwall-and-murphy-to-debate-tedisco-doing-his-own-thing/ dead Jim Tedisco held a town hall meeting rather than attend, claiming the debate was not one of the four originally agreed upon.http://www.observer.com/2591/instead-murphy-sundwall-debate-3d-tedisco-peoples-town-hall Instead of the Murphy-Sundwall Debate, '3D' Tedisco Plans 'People's Town Hall' Jimmy Vielkind March 19, 2009 October 31, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115721/http://www.observer.com/2591/instead-murphy-sundwall-debate-3d-tedisco-peoples-town-hall June 16, 2011 The third debate took place on March 23http://www.observer.com/2695/better-or-worse-tedisco-turns-debate-blitz-against-murphy At Forum, Murphy's Stimulus Is Tedisco's Pork Jimmy Vielkind March 4, 2009 October 31, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616115733/http://www.observer.com/2695/better-or-worse-tedisco-turns-debate-blitz-against-murphy June 16, 2011 http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/136245/murphy-and-tedisco-debate-as-election-date-challenged/ Murphy and Tedisco debate as election date challenged Curtis Schick March 25, 2009 October 31, 2010 YNN Capital Region Time Warner Cable Albany, NY October 31, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131031230935/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/politics/136245/murphy-and-tedisco-debate-as-election-date-challenged/ dead and the final debate was on March 26. http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/135335/20th-district-candidates-meet-for-final-debate/ 20th District candidates meet for final debate Curtis Schick March 27, 2009 October 31, 2010 YNN Capital Region Time Warner Cable Albany, NY March 6, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120306043625/http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/135335/20th-district-candidates-meet-for-final-debate/ dead http://www.observer.com/2744/debate-murphy-echoes-obama-tedisco-cites-experience In the Last Debate, Murphy Echoes Obama, Tedisco Cites Experience Jimmy Vielkind March 4, 2009 October 31, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616120108/http://www.observer.com/2744/debate-murphy-echoes-obama-tedisco-cites-experience June 16, 2011 Strategists from both parties viewed the outcome of the race as a "referendum on President Obama's handling of the economy". Chairman Michael Steele of the Republican National Committee said the special election was the first of three elections that were "incredibly important" for the Republicans to win.Steele Focused on 3 Critical Races in Rebuilding GOP Fox News News Corporation January 31, 2009 https://www.foxnews.com/politics/steele-focused-on-3-critical-races-in-rebuilding-gop/ April 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109073841/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/31/steele-focused-critical-races-rebuilding-gop/ November 9, 2013 live The Republican leadership made this race a top priority, and Chairman Steele, former Governor George Pataki, House Minority Leader John Boehner, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich helped Tedisco with fundraising. Steele visited the district twice.John Bresnahan Dem closing in key N.Y. House race https://www.politico.com/story/2009/03/dem-closing-in-key-ny-house-race-019881 Politico Allbritton Communications Arlington, VA March 11, 2009 March 12, 2009 On the Democratic side, Senator Gillibrand appeared in commercials and robocalls for Murphy, and Senator Chuck Schumer helped Murphy's campaign with fundraising. Less than a week before the election, President Obama formally endorsed Murphy in a mass email to supportersJoseph Spector Obama For Murphy http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/03/25/obama-for-murphy/ The Journal News White Plains, NY March 25, 2009 March 25, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101071846/http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2009/03/25/obama-for-murphy/ dead and urged supporters to organize and vote for Murphy.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/25/obama-flexes-political-mu_n_178801.html Obama Flexes Political Muscle, Enters NY Congressional Race Sam Stein Huffington Post March 25, 2009 A radio ad Vice President Joe Biden recorded for Murphy was released on March 25. That same day, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine emailed 500 of the party's top donors asking them to contribute to Murphy's campaign.Jonathan Martin Biden cuts radio ad in New York race https://www.politico.com/story/2009/03/biden-cuts-radio-ad-in-new-york-race-020488 Politico Allbritton Communications Arlington, VA March 25, 2009 March 26, 2009 thumb|Scott Murphy and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at a campaign stop on March 29, 2009 http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12898/gillibrand-campaigns-for-murphy/ Gillibrand campaigns for Murphy Irene Jay Liu March 28, 2009 October 31, 2010 Times Union Albany, NY November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035727/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12898/gillibrand-campaigns-for-murphy/ dead The RNC spent $100,000 on Tedisco's behalf.RNC Invests in Northeast Republican National Committee March 12, 2009 http://oldgop.gop.com/News/NewsRead.aspx?GUID=fdc883b3-a131-4fe0-b189-ace050abc5bd March 12, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110711113344/http://oldgop.gop.com/News/NewsRead.aspx?GUID=fdc883b3-a131-4fe0-b189-ace050abc5bd July 11, 2011 The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spent $150,000SEIU spends $90K in NY-20 https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/campaigns/34209-seiu-spends-90k-in-ny-20/ The Hill Washington, DC March 12, 2009 March 17, 2009 and the Service Employees International Union spent $315,000 for Murphy. New York Has a Referendum on Obama John Fund The Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123819802789561863 March 28, 2009 May 15, 2009 New York, NY The New York State United Teachers made an effort to call its members on Murphy's behalf, while the National Right to Life, National Republican Trust and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association organizations paid for ads and mailings supporting Tedisco. http://www.worldmag.com/webextra/15232 Going into overtime April 1, 2009 October 29, 2010 WORLD Magazine Asheville, NC Alisa Harris Each candidate aimed to discredit the other by pointing out his opponent's flaws or mistakes. Republicans called attention to Murphy's failure to pay taxes on a start-up computer software company he had founded in the 1990s, drawing comparison to three high-profile Obama administration nominees who failed to pay all of their taxes.Josh Kraushaar Murphy is GOP's next tax target https://www.politico.com/story/2009/02/murphy-is-gops-next-tax-target-018438 Politico Allbritton Communications Arlington, VA February 5, 2009 February 5, 2009 Tedisco also called attention to Murphy's failure to regularly vote in electionsDavid M. Halbfinger Stimulus Is Early Focus in Race for Gillibrand's Seat https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/nyregion/24house.html The New York Times February 23, 2009 February 24, 2009 after the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced that Murphy had failed to vote in the 2000 presidential election, along with seven other primaries and general elections between 2000 and 2003.Tatiana Zarnowski National GOP accuses Murphy of missing elections in 2000-03 http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2009/feb/19/0218_rncballots/ The Daily Gazette Schenectady, NY February 19, 2009 February 24, 2009 Believing the negative ads run by the NRCC were responsible for his drop in the polls, Tedisco announced that he would take control of campaign advertising from the NRCC.http://poststar.com/news/local/article_686f0a2b-7fb2-5824-ada0-18eafcefd6e1.html Tedisco shakes up campaign after drop in Siena poll Maury Thompson The Post-Star Glens Falls, NY March 12, 2009 November 1, 2010 Murphy spent the first months of the campaign criticizing Tedisco's early refusal to disclose his position on President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. When Tedisco came out in opposition to the legislation on March 16, Murphy responded by writing "it's just shameful it took well over a month for Assemblyman Tedisco to finally admit that he'd vote 'No'".Murphy: Tedisco's Delay Was 'Shameful' The New York Observer New York, NY March 16, 2009 October 29, 2010 http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/murphy-tediscos-delay-was-shameful https://web.archive.org/web/20110616114103/http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/murphy-tediscos-delay-was-shameful dead June 16, 2011 Jimmy Vielkind Murphy's campaign described Tedisco as a career Albany politician.Jimmy Vielkind Tedisco Blasts Murphy Over Ad http://www.observer.com/2434/tedisco-blasts-murphy-over-ad March 11, 2009 October 29, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616114136/http://www.observer.com/2434/tedisco-blasts-murphy-over-ad June 16, 2011 By mid-March, a provision in the stimulus package that grandfathered in bonuses paid to executives at troubled insurance giant AIG and other TARP recipients became a campaign issue. Tedisco, who had been criticized by Murphy for opposing the package, used the outrage over the AIG bonuses to reframe the debate.Liz Sidoti NY election seen as referendum on stimulus http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=APAB&p_theme=apab&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=NY%20election%20seen%20as%20referendum%20on%20stimulus&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(%22NY%20election%20seen%20as%20referendum%20on%20stimulus%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no Associated Press March 22, 2009 April 30, 2009 November 16, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181116075255/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=APAB&p_theme=apab&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=NY%20election%20seen%20as%20referendum%20on%20stimulus&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(%22NY%20election%20seen%20as%20referendum%20on%20stimulus%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no dead On March 19, Tedisco called for the resignation of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner over the AIG controversy.Tedisco Targets Geithner On AIG, Murphy Targets Tedisco On Stimulus March 19, 2009 http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/tedisco-targets-geithner-on-ai.html October 29, 2010 Benjamin Elizabeth Daily News New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090321021742/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/03/tedisco-targets-geithner-on-ai.html March 21, 2009 Murphy responded by insisting that the stimulus package was necessary for job creation.https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/03/bonus-backlash-dem-strategy/1704/ Bonus Backlash: Dem Strategy Chris Good The Atlantic March 20, 2009 November 1, 2010 Media endorsements March 22, 2009: Declaring "the upcoming special election in the 20th Congressional District nothing less than a referendum on the Obama economic stimulus plan", the Kingston-based Daily Freeman endorsed Murphy for his support of the plan.Editorial: Murphy for Congress http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/03/22/opinion/doc49c2b9de0077d943104275.txt Daily Freeman Kingston, NY March 22, 2009 March 31, 2009 February 20, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120220005408/http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/03/22/opinion/doc49c2b9de0077d943104275.txt dead March 22, 2009: Expressing a desire for "having candid, dissenting voices in any political body to keep the majority from going astray", the Poughkeepsie Journal endorsed Tedisco. Editorial: Tedisco is best choice for Congress https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1703946591.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+22%2C+2009 Poughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, NY March 22, 2009 October 26, 2009 A12 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121104092457/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1703946591.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+22,+2009 November 4, 2012 mdy-all March 26, 2009: Calling him "not ideal... but the better candidate", the Glens Falls-based The Chronicle gave Jim Tedisco its endorsement. http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/files/2009/03/glens-falls-chronicle-tedisco-endorsement.pdf Scoop: Tedisco for Congress Mark Frost March 26, 2009 October 29, 2010 Glens Falls, NY The Chronicle November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035646/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/files/2009/03/glens-falls-chronicle-tedisco-endorsement.pdf dead March 26, 2009: The New York Post gave its support to Jim Tedisco, calling him "a far better fit for the largely conservative district".http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/item_G80I82qIDMGIhFma1E8nJM;jsessionid=C18CDA3B1ECBA2D2EC49CB2AB1E6060E Tedisco For The 20th New York Post New York, NY March 26, 2009 October 29, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121020215501/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/item_G80I82qIDMGIhFma1E8nJM%3Bjsessionid%3DC18CDA3B1ECBA2D2EC49CB2AB1E6060E October 20, 2012 March 29, 2009: While acknowledging Tedisco's role in creating the STAR Program and his vocal support for a property tax cap, The Times Union endorsed Murphy as "a candidate who would work with Mr. Obama to achieve his goals". Editorial: Scott Murphy in the 20th http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7721095 https://web.archive.org/web/20120430132516/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7721095 dead April 30, 2012 Times Union Albany, NY March 29, 2009 March 29, 2009 B4 March 29, 2009: Citing the need for "an experienced, effective representative in Congress", The Post-Star endorsed Tedisco.Tedisco is the choice http://poststar.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_d67ade0d-3f84-5cbb-9b6b-09be9e9e52d6.html The Post-Star Glens Falls, NY March 29, 2009 March 29, 2009 March 29, 2009: Impressed by his "public service, experience and political philosophy", as well as his opposition to a union card check bill, The Saratogian endorsed Tedisco.Political Endorsement: Public service, experience http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49cee3227093e937924250.txt The Saratogian Saratoga Springs, NY March 29, 2009 March 29, 2009 April 19, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120419133539/http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49cee3227093e937924250.txt dead March 29, 2009: Claiming that "Tedisco has the track record that will make him a solid check and balance in Washington", the Troy Record endorsed Tedisco.Editorial: Tedisco gets our nod for congressional seat http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49ceeb8881dc1142980214.txt Troy Record March 29, 2009 April 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120220121342/http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinion/doc49ceeb8881dc1142980214.txt February 20, 2012 dead Polling Poll source Date administered Scott Murphy (D) Jim Tedisco (R) Eric Sundwall (L) Siena Research InstituteIrene Jay Liu Murphy now leads by Tedisco 4 points http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12867/murphy-now-leads-by-tedisco-4-points/ Times Union Albany, NY March 27, 2009 March 27, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035724/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12867/murphy-now-leads-by-tedisco-4-points/ deadMarch 25–26 Siena New York 20th Congressional District Poll: Murphy Takes 4-Point Lead Over Tedisco in Final Week Siena Research Institute March 27, 2009 http://staging.siena.edu/uploadedFiles/Home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/20th%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%203%20Release%20--%20FINAL.pdf March 27, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090407070642/http://staging.siena.edu/uploadedFiles/Home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/20th%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%203%20Release%20--%20FINAL.pdf April 7, 2009 mdy-all47%43%2% Siena Research Institute Irene Jay Liu Siena poll shows Murphy-Tedisco race tightening http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7623749 https://web.archive.org/web/20120430132539/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7623749 dead April 30, 2012 Times Union Albany, NY March 13, 2009 October 26, 2010 A3 March 9–10 Siena New York 20th Congressional District Poll: Murphy Cuts Tedisco's Lead From 12 to 4 Points Siena Research Institute March 12, 2009 http://www.siena.edu/uploadedFiles/Home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/20th%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%202%20Release%20--%20final_2.pdf March 12, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090320000927/http://www.siena.edu/uploadedFiles/Home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/20th%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%202%20Release%20--%20final_2.pdf March 20, 2009 mdy-all41%45%1% Benenson Strategy Group‡February 24–2537%44%4% Siena Research InstituteIrene Jay Liu Siena poll: Tedisco leads Murphy 46-34 http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/11927/siena-poll-tedisco-leads-murphy-46-34/ Times Union Albany, NY February 26, 2009 February 26, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035609/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/11927/siena-poll-tedisco-leads-murphy-46-34/ deadFebruary 18–19 Siena New York 20th Congressional District Poll: James Tedisco Has Early 46%-34% Lead Over Scott Murphy Siena Research Institute February 26, 2009 http://staging.siena.edu/uploadedFiles/Home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/20th%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%20Release%20--%20Final.pdf February 26, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090324235335/http://staging.siena.edu/uploadedFiles/Home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/20th%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%20Release%20--%20Final.pdf March 24, 2009 mdy-all 34% 46% Public Opinion Strategies†Josh Kraushaar Republican holds early lead for Gillibrand seat https://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0209/Republican_holds_early_lead_for_Gillibrand_seat.html Politico Allbritton Communications Arlington, VA February 6, 2009 February 26, 2009February 3–4 29% 50% † Commissioned by Tedisco's campaign and the NRCC ‡ Commissioned by the DCCC center|550px Results With 100 percent of precincts reporting, initial counts from the election had Murphy leading by about 60 votes out of over 150,000 cast.Valerie Bauman Razor-thin NY House race goes to absentee count http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-ny-house-race-040109-2009apr01-story.html Associated Press March 31, 2009Keith B. Richburg Paul Kane Absentee Ballots to Decide N.Y. House Race https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/31/AR2009033104096.html?hpid=moreheadlines The Washington Post A04 April 1, 2009 April 1, 2009 Columbia County's Board of Elections amended its tally the following day, reducing Murphy's lead to 25 votes.Irene Jay Liu It's official: Murphy has 25 vote lead over Tedisco http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/13150/its-official-murphy-has-25-vote-lead-over-tedisco/ Times Union Albany, NY April 1, 2009 April 1, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040914/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/13150/its-official-murphy-has-25-vote-lead-over-tedisco/ dead The lead alternated between the two candidates throughout early recanvassing; at one point the New York State Board of Elections had listed the election at a zero-vote margin, with each candidate having exactly 77,225 votes.Unofficial Results for NY 20th Congressional District New York State Board of Elections April 3, 2009 http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults.pdf April 5, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204854/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults.pdf dead By April 2, Tedisco was ahead by 12 votes. He resigned the position of Assembly Minority Leader on April 5 in preparation for a transition to Congress,http://www.observer.com/2915/tedisco-says-hes-giving-leadership-focus-recount-transition Tedisco Says He's Giving Up Leadership To Focus On Recount, 'Transition' Jimmy Vielkind April 3, 2009 November 28, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616125301/http://www.observer.com/2915/tedisco-says-hes-giving-leadership-focus-recount-transition June 16, 2011 and was replaced by Brian Kolb the following day.http://www.observer.com/2944/brian-kolb-new-tedisco Brian Kolb Is the New Tedisco Jimmy Vielkind April 6, 2009 October 29, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616114329/http://www.observer.com/2944/brian-kolb-new-tedisco June 16, 2011 On April 7, Tedisco was ahead by 97 votes.Jenny Lee-Adrian Tedisco takes 97-vote lead https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1701659771.html?FMT=ABS&date=Apr+07%2C+2009 Poughkeepsie Journal Poughkeepsie, NY April 7, 2009 March 31, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121104092511/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/poughkeepsiejournal/access/1701659771.html?FMT=ABS&date=Apr+07,+2009 November 4, 2012 The close tally meant that absentee ballots would decide the race. All ballots, absentee ballot envelopes, and voting machines were impounded under a court injunction sought by state Republicans. Under the court order, absentee ballots were counted in central locations rather than individual precincts.Eric Black Coleman Franken Redux in New York? http://www.minnpost.com/ericblackblog/2009/04/01/7790/coleman_franken_redux_in_new_york MinnPost.com Minneapolis, MN April 1, 2009 April 1, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090403112517/http://www.minnpost.com/ericblackblog/2009/04/01/7790/coleman_franken_redux_in_new_york April 3, 2009 dead Of the 10,000 absentee ballots sent out to voters, 6,000 were returned. Absentee ballots mailed within the United States had to be received by April 7 to be counted. The deadline for overseas (including military) ballots was extended to April 13 after the United States Department of Justice sued the state to ensure they would have a reasonable chance of being counted.David M. Halbfinger No Decision Soon in Upstate House Race http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/absentees-will-decide-upstate-election-but-not-soon/ The New York Times April 1, 2009 April 1, 2009 Counting of the absentee ballots due by April 7 began on April 8 under a New York State Supreme Court ruling sought by Murphy's campaign.Elizabeth Benjamin Let the Counting Begin! http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/04/let-the-counting-begin.html Daily News New York, NY April 6, 2009 April 7, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090412041141/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/04/let-the-counting-begin.html April 12, 2009 The legality of about 600 absentee ballots were contested during the count, https://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0409/The_battle_over_the_absentee_ballots.html The battle over the absentee ballots Josh Kraushaar April 13, 2009 November 28, 2010 Politico Allbritton Communications Arlington, VA including Senator Gillibrand's ballot. https://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0409/Tedisco_challenges_Gillibrands_absentee_ballot.html?showall Tedisco challenges Gillibrand's absentee ballot Josh Kraushaar April 14, 2009 November 28, 2010 Politico Allbritton Communications Arlington, VA By April 23, Murphy was ahead by 401 votes,Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY 20th Congressional District New York State Board of Elections April 23, 2009 http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDCombinedResults04232009.pdf April 23, 2009 November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204729/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDCombinedResults04232009.pdf dead and Tedisco conceded the following day. http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7934082 Murphy Going to Congress Times Union Albany, NY April 25, 2009 October 28, 2010 A1 Liu Irene Jay Hornbeck Leigh November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101080630/http://albarchive.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=7934082 dead Murphy was sworn in on April 29.Murphy sworn in surrounded by his 'very large family' Dlouhy Jennifer A. Times Union Albany, NY April 29, 2009 April 29, 2009 http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/14069/murphy-sworn-in-surrounded-by-his-very-large-family/ November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040529/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/14069/murphy-sworn-in-surrounded-by-his-very-large-family/ dead The official results came out in May and had Murphy winning the election with 80,833 votes (50.23%) against Tedisco's 80,107 votes (49.77%).Statement of Canvass: 20th Congressional District New York State Board of Elections http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialElectionResults.pdf May 2009 May 15, 2009 November 5, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131105210520/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialElectionResults.pdf dead Unofficial results Date Scott Murphy Jim Tedisco Difference April 377,22577,2250 April 6http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040609.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 6, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204350/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040609.pdf dead 76,81776,91497 April 7http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040709.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 7, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204032/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040709.pdf dead 77,017 77,03417 April 8http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040809.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 8, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101203157/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040809.pdf dead 77,018 77,03517 April 9http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040909.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 9, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101205143/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults040909.pdf dead 76,992 77,06068 April 10http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041009.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 10, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101203319/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041009.pdf dead 77,77377,72746 April 13http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041309.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 13, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204935/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041309.pdf dead 77,90777,88225 April 14http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041409b.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 14, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204440/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041409b.pdf dead 77,98277,93547 April 15http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041509b.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 15, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204520/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041509b.pdf dead 79,10579,01986 April 16http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041609b.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 16, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101204309/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041609b.pdf dead 79,45279,274178 April 17http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041709b.pdf Unofficial Combined Machine and Paper Results for NY20th Congressional District April 17, 2009 November 28, 2010 New York State Board of Elections September 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150923235144/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/20thCDSpecialUnofficialResults041709b.pdf dead 79,83979,566273 April 23 80,36879,967401 2009 NY-20 special congressional election New York State Democratic Committee Scott Murphy 70,240 Independence Party of New York Scott Murphy 6,754 Working Families Party Scott Murphy 3,839 Total Scott Murphy 80,833 50.23 New York Republican State Committee Jim Tedisco 68,775 Conservative Party of New York Jim Tedisco 11,332 Total Jim Tedisco 80,107 49.77 726 160,940 Democratic Party (US) −11.9 By county By county yes #B0CEFF;line-height:135%; none CountyScott MurphyDemocraticJames TediscoRepublicanMarginTotalvotes#%#%#%Columbia9,16157.2%6,85242.8%2,30914.4%16,013Delaware (part)3,50649.99%3,50950.01%-3-0.02%7,015Dutchess (part)10,01951.9%9,30448.1%7153.8%19,323Essex (part)1,37555.5%1,10144.5%27411.0%2,476Greene4,60744.6%5,72455.4%-1,117-10.8%10,331Otsego (part)1,08448.6%1,14751.4%-63-2.8%2,231Rensselaer (part)7,83748.6%8,29351.4%-456-2.8%16,130Saratoga (part)26,29045.8%31,06654.2%-4,776-8.4%57,356Warren9,32356.1%7,29843.9%2,02512.2%16,621Washington7,63156.8%5,81343.2%1,81813.6%13,444 Totals80,83350.2%80,10749.8%7260.4%160,940 Aftermath Murphy's victory was credited to a coattail effect from Barack Obama's election in 2008.Riding the Republican wave Vielkind Jimmy Times Union Albany, NY December 22, 2010 December 27, 2010 http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Riding-the-Republican-wave-914396.php His support of the stimulus package, coupled with Tedisco's failed attempt at cogently explaining his own opposition to the package, also may have had an impact.Upstate New York House Race Is Too Close to Call Halbfinger David M. The New York Times March 31, 2009 December 27, 2010 https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/nyregion/01election.html?_r=1 Further explanations for the Republican defeat ranged from accusations that Tedisco "dithered on the stimulus bill", to intimations that Tedisco only became his party's nominee by manipulating the selection process.http://www.observer.com/3267/from-back-row-tedisco-mans-up Post-Game: From a Back-Row Seat, Tedisco Mans Up Jimmy Vielkind April 27, 2009 December 2, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616130828/http://www.observer.com/3267/from-back-row-tedisco-mans-up June 16, 2011 In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal contended that being an "Albany careerist" and running confusing campaign ads had hurt Tedisco.https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124078946691457509 Another GOP Defeat April 28, 2009 A13 The Wall Street Journal New York, NY December 2, 2010 Tedisco's loss immediately made him appear vulnerable to Democrats hoping to capture his seat in the Assembly.http://www.nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1495/2009-05-22.html Why Scott Murphy Matters David Freedlander May 22, 2009 December 2, 2010 The Capitol https://web.archive.org/web/20101005091730/http://nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1495/2009-05-22.html October 5, 2010 The day after being sworn in, Murphy hired Todd Schulte, his campaign manager, as his new chief of staff. http://www.observer.com/3322/schulte-stays-with-murphy-now-chief-staff Schulte Stays With Murphy, Now Chief of Staff Jimmy Vielkind April 30, 2009 December 2, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110616125933/http://www.observer.com/3322/schulte-stays-with-murphy-now-chief-staff June 16, 2011 mdy-all He also hired one of Governor Paterson's aides, Maggie McKeon, as his communications director. http://www.observer.com/3565/murphy-names-mckeon-communications-director Murphy Names McKeon Communications Director Jimmy Vielkind May 15, 2009 December 2, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111029182546/http://www.observer.com/3565/murphy-names-mckeon-communications-director October 29, 2011 mdy-all For his district director, Murphy turned to Rob Scholz, a Republican. Scholz had worked on Murphy's campaign and had received praise from Larry Bulman, the chairman of the Saratoga County Democratic Committee. http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/14169/murphy-goes-to-the-other-side-for-district-director/ Murphy goes to the other side for district director Times Union Albany, NY May 5, 2009 December 2, 2010 Hornbeck Leigh November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035531/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/14169/murphy-goes-to-the-other-side-for-district-director/ dead Within a month of being elected, Murphy opened offices in Saratoga Springs and Hudson. http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/15014/murphy-gets-new-digs-in-hudson/ Murphy gets new digs in Hudson Leigh Hornbeck June 1, 2009 December 3, 2010 The New York Observer New York, NY November 1, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131101040533/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/15014/murphy-gets-new-digs-in-hudson/ dead http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/05/02/news/doc49fbafd435df4284200002.txt Murphy opens Saratoga Springs district office with forum Andrew J. Bernstein The Saratogian Saratoga Springs, NY May 2, 2009 December 3, 2010 March 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308163705/http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/05/02/news/doc49fbafd435df4284200002.txt dead Murphy served the remainder of his term, but lost a reelection bid on November 2, 2010, to challenger Chris Gibson, a retired Army colonel. http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Gibson-beats-Murphy-Tonko-wins-789285.php Gibson beats Murphy, Tonko wins Times Union Albany, NY November 2, 2010 December 2, 2010 See also Special elections to the 111th United States Congress Notes "Note" References 30em Further reading Too Close to Call Bazile Dan ZLS Publishing Albany, New York 2010 978-0-9845986-3-2 New York 2009 20 New York 2009 20 2009 20 Special New York 20 Special United States House of Representatives 20 Special United States House of Representatives 2009 20