Congressman-Elect is "Ready To Go"
SYRACUSE -- Dan Maffei hasn't even been sworn in as the 25th District Congressional Representative, but already he's being lobbied heavily by special interest groups. Friday the AARP called for Maffei's continued support for its "Divided We Fail" campaign to provide affordable and accessible healthcare. The organization says there are two and a half million uninsured New Yorkers.
Maffei told reporters that he is looking forward to assuming office but realizes the challenges ahead. "The only time I can think of that would be comparable to this would probably by the Congress of 1932, middle of the depression, a number of burdens, possible war with Europe on the horizon."
Maffei was swept into office along with Barack Obama's promise of change. Maffei however wonders if people's expectations are too high. "Even if we don't accomplish everything at once, I think people will be happy and they'll says at least things are going in the right direction now."
When Dan Maffei assumes office later this month he will bring with him a container of 4,100 cards, each one signed by a voter who sees health care as a top priority, each one promising to keep an eye on his performance in office during the next two years.
