For Release: IMMEDIATELY, February 3, 2009
Contact: Joshua Fitzpatrick (518) 542-2413
 
JIM TEDISCO LAUNCHES BID FOR 20TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Says rebuilding the economy, creating more jobs, providing middle class tax relief, will be top priorities, promises to bring his proven record of public service and helping people to Congress

 
CLIFTON PARK, NY – Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Saratoga) today officially launched his bid for the 20th Congressional District during a press conference held at his campaign's Clifton Park/Halfmoon headquarters, saying his top priorities will be "rebuilding the economy, creating more jobs and delivering real tax relief for middle class families and small businesses."

 
            "I am running for Congress to bring the same passion, energy and proven record of public service I have demonstrated as an Assemblyman to residents of the 20th Congressional District," Tedisco said.

 
"As Republican Leader of the State Assembly, I led the fight for tax relief, a real property tax cap, a stronger economy, more jobs and fiscal responsibility.  I opposed Eliot Spitzer when he tried to steamroll New Yorkers with higher taxes and more wasteful spending.  I also led the fight against his unlawful plan to give driver's licenses to illegal aliens and worked to keep the Schenectady Free Health Clinic open and operating when he tried to take political retribution against me for opposing his plan," Tedisco said.

 
"When it mattered the most – when it counted the most – I have stood up and spoken out.  That is exactly what I will do as a Member of Congress, working night and day to get our community, state and nation back on the road to economic recovery," Tedisco stated.

 
"All across the 20th District, times are tough and families are hurting.  People are losing their jobs.  Companies are shutting their doors.  Middle class families and small businesses know that a stronger economy and real tax relief – not more wasteful spending in Washington – is what's needed to lift us out of this recession," Tedisco stated.

 
"What distinguishes me is that I won't just talk about the mess our economy is in – I have a proven record of doing something about it, including sponsoring a real property tax cap in the New York State Assembly.  In Congress, I'll lead the fight for middle class families, small businesses and family farms that are the heart and soul of our 20th Congressional District.  I'm going to work – every day – to ensure our community's voice is heard in the halls of Congress," Tedisco said.

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Attending Tedisco's Congressional kick-off were numerous local and state elected officials who have worked with him and spoke of his dedication to public service and proven record of improving the quality of life for families across the community.

 
Tedisco, first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1982, was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve as Leader of the Assembly Republican Conference in 2005.  He was subsequently re-elected Leader in 2006 and again in 2008.  Prior to serving in the Assembly, Tedisco was elected to the Schenectady City Council at the age of 27, having the distinction of being the youngest member ever elected to the Council at that time. 

 
Before holding elective office, Tedisco was a special education teacher, guidance counselor and varsity basketball coach. 

 
Tedisco currently represents the New York State Assembly's 110th District, which includes a significant portion of the 20th Congressional District.  He and his wife, Mary Song Tedisco, own a home in Saratoga Springs, which is in the heart of the 20th Congressional district.

 
New York's 20th Congressional District encompasses all or portions of Columbia, Dutchess, Delaware, Essex, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. 

 
New York State Governor David Paterson has yet to set a date for the special election to fill the 20th Congressional District, which became vacated after he appointed U.S. Representative Kirsten Gillibrand (D-Greenport) to serve as New York State's U.S. Senator, after Hillary Clinton was confirmed as Secretary of State.

 
For more details on Tedisco and his campaign for Congress, visit www.jimtedisco.com.

 
 
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