Congressman Chris Gibson did something this week that is very rare to see an elected official do – He kept his word on term limits and said that he will not seek reelection in two years.
What Gibson has done is open up the door and placed him in a very powerful position for a run for higher office in the future.
In fact – Gibson has already been mentioned as a potential Republican candidate for United States Senate, Governor, and even possibly Vice President.
Gibson’s performance in Congress during the next two years will be a determining factor in how influential he becomes within New York State and National Republican ranks.
Considered a Republican moderate, Gibson has proven that he can garner votes from all sides of the political aisle. His current district consists of parts of former Democratic members of Congress – Maurice Hinchey and Kristen Gillibrand.
Gillibrand gave up her Congressional seat when she was appointed and later elected United States Senator.
Gibson also proved in this year’s Congressional race that money does not necessarily buy an election. He defeated billionaire Sean Eldridge who spent millions on the race by nearly 70 percentage points.
An aggressive campaigner and combat veteran, Gibson knows how to look someone in the eye and deliver that personal touch to whomever he is speaking with.
He told the New York Daily News this week that his decision “reflects his long-standing plan to limit himself. But he said he also wanted to avoid attempting a statewide campaign while still serving in the House, which he said would leave his constituents poorly served.”
This also affords Gibson the opportunity to begin to raise finds that can potentially amount to an impressive campaign war chest.
Governor Andrew Cuomo began his reelection campaign with over $30 million in his war chest while his Republican opponent Robert Astorino raised only several million dollars.
Astorino has already said he intends to run for Governor in 2018, but one wonders if he can be serious judging from his poor showing and often outrageous campaign statements.
Any campaign Gibson chooses to run in would be considered an uphill battle.
Republicans have found it very difficult to win a statewide election for many years due to the large Democratic vote in New York City and other urban areas.
Republicans are hoping that Gibson could change that due to his moderate voting record.
Gibson Says He Gets Things Done as the Most Liberal Republican in Congress:
Democrats such as Eldridge claim that Gibson is a hypocrite when it comes to his voting record. They allege that Gibson says one thing when he talks to constituents and does something else when he is in Washington. They have labeled him in reality nothing more than a “Tea Party Republican.”
Here is Gibson’s actual voting record and decide for yourself.
http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/127042/chris-gibson#.VK4MjfVgOvE
As Gibson works to make a name for himself Statewide and Nationally, both Democrats and Republicans will be looking to secure our Congressional Seat.
Democrats will most likely have the edge in 2016.
Already being mentioned as potential Democratic contenders is of course Sean Eldridge who spent $4 million of his own money in this year’s failed campaign.
Also – on the Democratic plate to represent us in Congress – Is rising star and popular Ulster County Executive Mike Hein.
Former State Senator Terry Gipson has also been mentioned as a Democratic contender.
Already coming out of the Republican woodwork are Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, Assemblyman Peter Lopez, Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino, and Senator Jim Seward.
No matter what happens – One thing for certain is that all eyes during the next two years will be on the 19th Congressional District and Chris Gibson – That could potentially be a win win for Sullivan County.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.