Bill Clinton Attends Rally For Incumbent S.I. Congressman
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
Former President Bill Clinton swept onto Staten Island Friday to lend a hand to Brooklyn-Staten Island Congressman Michael McMahon, who is trying to hang onto his seat in a district Republicans had a lock on not so long ago. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report. Staten Island-Brooklyn Congressman Michael McMahon held a campaign rally in Grymes Hill on Friday, but there was no question that former President Bill Clinton was the star of the day, even as he tried to give a boost to a Democrat in what is considered a potential swing district.
"I am especially glad to be here because I think it's important that you re-elect this congressman. Mike McMahon has earned the right to be re-elected," said Clinton.
McMahon was first elected to the post two years ago, after former Republican Congressman Vito Fossella was arrested for drunk driving and found to have fathered a child with his mistress.
Before McMahon's victory, the seat had been in Republican hands for close to three decades. With that history likely in mind, Clinton played up the fact that McMahon is not always in lockstep with Democratic leaders.
"We need, first of all, independent people who think and do what is best for you today and in the future," said Clinton. "And the one thing you've got to say about this guy, is he has been truly independent."
The most clear example of that independence was McMahon's "no" vote on health care reform, a position that cost him some union support.
The crowd thinned out as soon as Clinton wrapped up, but many stuck around to hear from the candidate, who pledged to fight for the Zadroga Bill, which would give September 11th responders money and health benefits.
"I commit that we will keep working to get those Republicans to see that if you want to pay homage to those people, you have to give them the benefits they need," said McMahon.
Clinton's visit is a sign that Democrats are not taking any chances as they fight to preserve their majority in Congress.
"Democrats can not stay home in November," said Brooklyn-Staten Island State Senator Diane Savino.
McMahon's two Republican challengers, meanwhile, are busy fighting amongst themselves for now.
Without a primary opponent, McMahon is focused on the general election, and he is surely hoping the joint appearance with Clinton will give him a boost in November.